Smart waste device and waste tracking system

ABSTRACT

An electronic waste tracking device, process, and system to track waste from one location to another location.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a Continuation of U.S. patent application entitled “Smart WasteDevice and Waste Tracking System, application Ser. No. 14/545,984 filedon Jul. 14, 2015, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,977,622, which is aContinuation-In-Part (CIP) of U.S. patent application entitled “WasteRecycling Systems, Processes, and Methods, application Ser. No.13/998,135 filed on Oct. 7, 2013, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,098,884,which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application entitled ‘WasteRecycling Systems, Processes, and Methods”, application Ser. No.12/958,392 filed on Dec. 1, 2010, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,550,252,which is a Continuation-In-Part (CIP) of U.S. patent applicationentitled “A Waste Collection Device, and Waste Recycling System”,application Ser. No. 12/754,985 filed on Apr. 6, 2010, abandoned, whichis a Continuation-In-Part (CIP) of U.S. patent application entitled “AWaste Recycling System Using Tagged, Bar Coded, or Other DistinctivelyMarked Containers, Method of Recycling, and Container Device”,application Ser. No. 12/585,249 filed on Sep. 9, 2009, issued as U.S.Pat. No. 8,459,461, and all applications being incorporated by referenceherein. This application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/999,835 filed on Aug. 7, 2014.

FIELD

A smart waste device for electronically tracking waste, and system oftracking the waste from one location to another location.

BACKGROUND

Today, much waste or waste material from homes, residences, businesses,stores, convenience stores, fast food chains, restaurants, retaillocations, offices, schools, and commercial, institutional, andgovernment environments or locations is discarded by individuals (e.g.mainly homeowners, renters, occupants, workers, consumers, employees,students) into waste receptacles (e.g. waste containers such as trashcontainers, trash receptacles, trash cans, garbage containers, garbagereceptacles, and garbage cans) provided onsite. These waste receptaclestypically are fitted with disposable plastic bags, which can be closedwhen filled, removed from the waste receptacles, and then disposed of inwaste containers (e.g. trash cans, garbage cans, and dumpsters) usuallylocated outside the buildings and/or adjacent to the parking lots ofthese locations to facilitate removal by a waste disposal service.

Typically, the waste is not sorted onsite, and all different types ofwaste are discarded into the same waste receptacles resulting in a widevariety of waste mixed together, including trash, garbage, paperproducts plastic products, food waste, and other waste items defining ageneral waste stream. The plastic bags filled with waste are thrown intoa garbage can or dumpster, and mixed with other loose waste or plasticbags containing waste. This waste is transported in dumpsters or garbagetrucks to landfills, and typically not sorted before land filling.

Currently, there exists a need to recover materials, which requiresseparating or sorting waste into targeted waste to allow this particularwaste to be effectively recycled. Once certain types of waste are mixedtogether, even subsequent separating or sorting may not allow the wasteto be recycled due to the contamination of the targeted waste with othertypes of waste. In particular, waste food and beverage products (e.g.paper products, paper cups, paper plates, paper containers, plasticproducts, plastic cups, plastic containers, foam products, foam cups,foam plates, foam containers, cardboard products) should be handledand/or processed to minimize contaminants. For example, these waste foodand beverage product should not be mixed with other types of waste toavoid being contaminated to allow these types of waste to be recycledinto new products suitable for contact and use with food and beveragethat meet the standards and guidelines of the Food and DrugAdministration (FDA). Further, to ensure proper handling of the wastefood and beverage products, the custody of this waste from the point ofdisposal (e.g. store located waste receptacle) through the point ofrecycling of this waste must be established, tracked, maintained, andverified to assure no additional contamination thereof. Thus, it ispreferred that this type of waste be immediately separated or sorted atthe onsite location, and maintained separate from the general or mixedwaste stream throughout collecting, transporting, storing, and recyclingthereof. However, if maintained separate in the way described here itcan be economically co-transported from facility to facility.

Due to the large amount of labor involved with sorting, it is desirablethat consumers (e.g. individuals, end users, customers, students,employees, workers, contractors) of food and beverage productsimmediately begin the process of sorting the waste food and beverageproducts by placing these items in marked waste collection containers(e.g. receptacles, bins, vessels). For example, consumers immediatelyplace used paper cups or plastic bottles into separately marked wastecollection containers to begin the process of effectively sortingparticular types of waste. The marked waste collection containers,preferably contain a removable disposable bag(s) or liner(s), which whenfilled can be removed and then disposed of into waste containers such asgarbage cans and dumpsters.

In the recycling of paper cups and paper plates, the paper substrate isof a high quality paperboard stock, which has been treated with aplastic, wax, or resin coating process to make the paperboard resistantto water penetration and resulting degradation. It is desirable to beable to recycle this particular type of paper stock into long fiber pulpand/or food grade paperboard suitable for manufacturing paper cups,paper plates, and other direct food contact type products andcontainers, while maintaining a sanitary environment and ensuring a highdegree of custody and segregation to avoid the inclusion of unnecessaryhazardous or deleterious materials in the new products. Due toincreasing public, private, and government awareness and interest in“going green” and being environmentally friendly, there exists renewedinterest and demand for recycled products having greater percentages ofrecycled material content. Thus, this demand will require new andeffective systems and methods of recycling waste into renewableproducts.

In most store, retail, office, school, commercial, institutional, andgovernment environments or locations, simple waste receptacles (e.g.trash containers, trash cans, garbage containers, garbage cans) arestill used today to collect and remove waste from these environments orlocations. Again, it is common to provide disposable plastic bags orliners in waste receptacles to facilitate removal and transfer of thewaste to garbage cans and dumpsters and to maintain a sanitary conditionof the waste receptacles. In order to recycle the waste, in particulartargeted waste to be recycled into food grade new products (e.g. papercups, plastic cups, foam cups, paper plates, plastic plates, foamplates, paper bowls, plastic bowls, foam bowls, plastic utensils), it isdesirable to treat the waste prior to and/or during the collecting,storing, transporting, and recycling stages or steps. In particular, itis desirable to densify the waste to reduce its volume, disinfect, andremove water or liquid from the waste to prevent deterioration of thewaste (e.g. breaking down of the waste chemically or biologically) tomaintain the high quality of the waste material to be recycled,particularly waste to be recycled into food grade or contact recycledproducts.

Further, it is desirable to collect the waste immediately after use bythe consumer, in particular at the onsite environment or location, againto obtain the waste material to be recycled before any deteriorationthereof. For example, new paper products are typically placed in contactor filled with food and beverage at store (e.g. fast foodestablishments, cafes, restaurants, food courts, markets, conveniencestores), retail, office, school, commercial, institutional, andgovernment environments or locations, and then immediately consumedonsite. Thus, it is desirable to provide a waste collection deviceonsite that is configured to operate onsite, and capable of safely andeffectively interfacing with consumers. The waste collection device isconfigured to treat the waste being discarded by mechanical treatment(e.g. shredding, compressing, mechanism and limit consumercontamination, light treatment (e.g. laser, UV, IR), disinfecting,removing water, treating with air, chemicals, gases, and treating withpressure, vacuum, and heat. It is particularly desirable to treat thewaste immediately upon being discarded into the waste collection device,however, additional or timed treatments can be applied inside or withinthe waste collection device, again to maintain the high quality of thestock material to be recycled.

Current Waste Recycling

Recently, there are some stores attempting to separate and collectdifferent types of waste by using multiple waste receptacles marked fora particular type of waste. However, it is not evident if this separatedwaste is stored, maintained, and/or picked up separately from thesestores based on the particular type of waste, or subsequently mixedtogether, for example, by being thrown together into the same dumpsterprior to transportation from a store.

By far the most common waste disposal method used by consumers, is todispose all types of waste into a common waste receptacle resulting inimmediate mixing and contamination of the waste. Specifically, wastepaper products, plastic products, and food waste end up being throwninto the same common waste receptacle, and then typically subsequentlytransferred to a garbage can or dumpster for transportation to a wastedisposal location (e.g. land fill) or a waste collection/processinglocation. The waste is immediately contaminated while sitting in theindividual disposable container, and continues to be furthercontaminated with time, transportation, and handling prior to finaldisposal, collection and/or processing.

There currently appears to be no devices, systems, processes, or methodsof marking, tagging, and otherwise identifying waste receptacles andwaste containers to maintain the identification of the type of wastecontained in each individual waste receptacle and waste container.Further there appears to be no devices, systems, processes, or methodsof tracking individual disposable or recyclable waste containers (e.g.plastic bags, paper bags, cardboard boxes) from the point of collection,being moved around within the store, transported from the store, beingmoved around in a waste collection or processing center, beingtransported to a waste recycling location, and to the point of beingrecycled. Even further, there appears to be no devices, systems,processes, or methods of maintaining and verifying the custody ofseparated waste, in particular targeted waste, contained in disposableor recyclable waste containers from the point of collection to the pointof recycling to ensure that the waste remains uncontaminated at the timeand place of recycling.

SUMMARY

A waste tracking device, waste tracking system, process, and method.

An improved waste collection device, waste recycling system, process,and method.

A waste collection device configured to disinfect waste and system,process, and method of disinfecting waste.

A waste collection device configured to disinfect waste as the waste isbeing discarded into the waste collection device, and system, processand method of disinfecting waste as the waste is being discarded into awaste collection device or waste container.

A waste collection device configured to remove water or liquid from thewaste, and system, process, and method of removing water or liquid fromwaste.

A waste collection device configured to remove water or liquid from thewaste while the waste is being contained or stored in the wastecollection container, and system, process, and method of removing wateror liquid from waste.

A waste collection device configured to disinfect and remove water orliquid from the waste, and a system, process, and method of disinfectingand/or removing water or liquid from waste.

A waste collection device configured to simultaneously disinfect andremove water or liquid from the waste, and a system, process, and methodof simultaneously disinfecting and removing water or liquid from waste.

A waste collection device configured to densifying or debulking waste.

A waste collection device configured to flatten and penetrate waste.

A waste collection device configured to remove water or liquid from thewaste and then disposing the water or liquid from the water collectiondevice to a remote location, and a system, process, and method ofremoving water or liquid from waste and disposing the water or liquid.

A waste collection device configured to remove water or liquid from thewaste and collect the water or liquid to be removed batch-wise from thewaste collection device, and a system, process, and method of removingwater or liquid from waste and collecting the water or liquid to beremoved batch-wise from a waste collection device.

A waste collection device configured to remove water or liquid from thewaste and collect the water in a paper pad impregnated with high liquidabsorbing polymers, and then disposing of the water/liquid filled paperpad.

A waste recycling system, including a waste recycling device accordingto the present invention, and a system, process, and method of wasterecycling with a waste recycling device.

A waste recycling system, including the waste collection deviceaccording to the present invention using tags or tagged disposablecontainers such as bags, liners, and/or boxes, in particular tagsautomatically dropped into a bag as part of the system or electronicallytagged disposable bags provide with an RFID tag, and system, process,and method of tagging disposable containers such as bags, liners orboxes, in particular a system, process, and method, including the stepof electronically tagging disposable containers such as bags, liners,and/or boxes.

A waste recycling system, process, and method, including marking,tagging, and/or bar coding containers, in particular disposablecontainers such as bags, liners, boxes, and/or other disposablecontainers, for example, plastic containers, plastic bags, plasticliners, plastic boxes, paper containers, paper bags, paper liners,cardboard containers, cardboard boxes, composite bags, paper/plasticcomposite bags, for collecting waste.

A waste recycling system, process and method, including marking,electronically tagging, and/or bar coding containers, in particulardisposable containers such as bags, liners, boxes, and/or otherdisposable containers.

A waste recycling system, process, and method, including marking,tagging, bar coding containers, in particular disposable containers suchas bags, liners, boxes, and/or other disposable containers containingtargeted waste immediately upon being discarded and prior to entering ageneral waste stream or recyclable waste stream. A waste recyclingsystem, process, and method, including marking, tagging, electronicallytagging, and/or bar coding disposable containers such as bags, liners,and/or boxes, and identifying the marked, tagged, electronically tagged,and/or bar coded disposable containers.

A recycling system, process, and method, including sorting, preferablyelectronically sorting marked, tagged, electronically tagged, and/or barcoded disposable containers such as bags, liners, and/or boxescontaining a targeted waste from a general waste stream or recyclablewaste stream.

A waste tracking system, process, and method, including tracking wastefrom one location to another location.

A waste recycling collection system, process, and method, includingtracking targeted waste from a waste receptacle to a recycling processto maintain custody of the targeted waste.

A waste recycling system, process, and method, including electronicallytagging disposable containers such as bags, liners, and/or boxes with atleast one RFID, UHFID, or other wireless electronic tags to allowidentifying and sorting of the disposable containers, for example, froma general waste stream or recyclable waste stream.

An electronically tagged container, in particular disposable containersuch as a bag, liner, and/or box for use in the waste collection device.

An electronically tagged container, in particular a disposable containersuch as a bag, liner, and/or box, including at least one RFID, UHFID, orother wireless electronic tag for use in the waste collection deviceaccording to the present invention.

A container, in particular and disposable container such as a bag,liner, and/or box, including an electronic tag, for example, at leastone RFID, UHFID, or other wireless electronic tag for electronicallytagging the disposable container and targeted waste contents thereof.

A waste recycling system, process, and method, including marking,tagging, electronically tagging, and/or bar coding disposable containerssuch as bags, liners, and/or boxes, and measuring at least one at leastone specification of each tagged disposable container such as itsweight, volume, contents, tracking number, point of collection, point ofintermediate and final destinations, quality information, storeinformation, waste owner information, disposer information, and/orrecycler information.

A waste recycling system, process, and method, including sorting tagged,in particular electronically tagged disposable containers such as bags,liners, and/or boxes at a waste collection/processing location so thatthe disposable containers filled with targeted waste can be routed toparticular waste recycling locations.

An improved waste recycling system, process, and method.

A waste recycling system, process, and method, including collectingtargeted waste.

A waste recycling system, process, and method, including sortingcontainers, in particular disposable containers containing targetedwaste.

A waste recycling system, process, and method, including separatingparticular types of targeted waste into one or more waste receptacles byconsumers, and tagging the targeted waste at the waste receptacle.

A waste recycling system, process, and method, including separatingparticular types of targeted waste into one or more waste receptacles byconsumers upon initial disposal thereof.

A waste recycling system, process, and method, including tracking waste,in particular electronically tracking waste.

A waste recycling system, process, and method, including separatingwaste and tracking waste, in particular targeted waste.

A waste recycling system, process, and method, including trackingseparated waste.

A waste recycling system, process, and method, including tracking wastecontainers containing waste.

A waste recycling system, process, and method, including separatingwaste and tracking waste containers containing waste.

A waste recycling system, process, and method, including tracking wastefrom a waste receptacle to a waste recycling location.

A waste recycling system, process, and method, including tagging waste.

A waste recycling system, process, and method, including taggingcontainers containing waste.

A waste recycling system, process, and method, including taggingcontainers containing separated waste.

A waste recycling system, process, and method for recycling postconsumer paperboard, plastic based fast food service items, and foodwaste.

A system, process, and method for recycling of post consumer paperboard,plastic based food service items, and/or food waste, comprising the stepof collecting of post consumer paperboard, plastic based food serviceitems, and food waste, preferably at an on-site consumer location.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic based food service items, comprising the step of volume reducingthe collected post consumer paperboard and plastic based food serviceitems, preferably at an on-site consumer location.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic based food service items, comprising the step of treating thecollected post consumer paperboard and plastic based food service itemsto minimize the growth of bacteria, virus, bugs, mold, and fungi duringthe collection process, preferably at an on-site consumer location.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic based food service items, comprising the step of separating ofthe collected post consumer paperboard and plastic based food serviceitems from any water or liquid contained therein, preferably at anon-site consumer location.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic based food service items, comprising the step of containing andtreating of any water or liquid separated from the post consumerpaperboard and plastic based food service items.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic based food service items, comprising the step of packaging ofthe post consumer paperboard based food service items.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic based food service items, comprising the step of treatingdisposable waste containers for post consumer paperboard or plasticbased food service items to minimize the growth of bacteria, virus,mold, and fungi during transport and storage.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic based food service items, comprising the step of credentialingdisposable waste containers containing post consumer paperboard basedfood service items using visual and/or electronic mechanism(s).

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic based food service items, comprising the step of co-transportingdisposable waste containers containing post consumer paperboard basedfood service items with other co-transported materials or waste.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic based food service items, comprising the step of identifying andlocating disposable waste containers containing co-transported postconsumer paperboard or plastic based food service items amidst the otherco-transported materials or waste.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboardbased food service items, comprising the step of segregating postconsumer paperboard or plastic based food service items from otherco-transported materials.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic based food service items, comprising the step of aggregatingpost consumer paperboard or plastic based food service items.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic based food service items, comprising the step of transportingdisposable waste containers containing post consumer paperboard orplastic based food service items.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboardbased food service items, comprising the step of separating thetransported disposable waste containers containing post consumerpaperboard or plastic based food service items.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic food service items, comprising the step of washing the postconsumer paperboard or plastic based food service items and to removeany residual food or contaminants.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic food service items, comprising the step of washing the postconsumer paperboard or plastic based food service items and paper basedmaterials such as napkins, towels and other non-targeted materials toremove any residual food or contaminants, and collecting thenon-targeted materials to add to water-proof coatings to make a fuelpellet.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step of pulping the post consumerpaperboard based food service items or materials to separate cellulosefibers from waterproof coatings.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step of selectively removing contaminantsonly to levels of suitable purity to reduce processing costs.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step of extracting cellulose fibers fromthe pulper.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step of sequestering waterproof coatingsas a residual in the pulper.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step of screening the cellulose fibers tofurther remove any contaminants.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step of centrifugally cleaning thecellulose fibers to remove contaminants.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step of bleaching the cellulose fibers.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step of dewatering the cellulose fibers.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step of drying the cellulose fibers.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step of recovering energy from thewaterproof coatings.

system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step of recovering energy from thewaterproof coatings combined with other non-targeted materials.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic food service items, comprising the step of collecting postconsumer paperboard or plastic food service items by providing amulti-compartment waste receptacle resident in the food serviceestablishment to encourage the pre-sorting of materials by the consumer.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step of collecting post consumerpaperboard or plastic food service items using a waste collectiondevice, including an automated door to allow for “hands free”collection.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic food service items, comprising the step of reducing in bulk postconsumer paperboard or plastic food service items by cutting, grinding,shredding, tearing, perforating, rolling, compressing, mechanicallycompromising, chemically compromising, electrically compromising, orotherwise disassembling the waste to allow water or liquid to drain fromthe waste and reduce the potential of water, liquid, and/or foodentrapment, and in a manner so as not to damage the waste.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic food service items, comprising the step of irradiating the postconsumer paperboard or plastic food service items to preclude the growthof bacteria, virus, bugs, mold, and/or fungi.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step of employing chemical (e.g. liquidand/or solid) reagents to treat the collected waste to preclude thegrowth of bacteria, virus, bugs, mold and/or fungi.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic food service items, comprising the step of using a disposable orrecyclable waste container in a waste collection device according to thepresent invention for packaging processed waste.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step of providing the disposable orrecyclable waste container in the waste collection device according tothe present invention with at least one drain to allow any water orliquid to drain from the disposable or recyclable waste container and beseparated from the food service items.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step of sequestering any separated wasteor liquid, which drains from a disposable or recyclable waste containerwithin the waste collection device.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step of treating any water or liquidseparated within the waste collection device according to the presentinvention to prevent growth of bacteria, virus, bugs, mold, or fungi.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic food service items, comprising the step of absorbing separatedwater or liquid within the waste collection device.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic food service items, comprising the step of absorbing separatedwater or liquid within the waste collection device using structuredabsorbent material such as towel, napkins, meat pads and/or fruit padscontaining a measured amount of super absorbent polymer (SAP).

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic food service items, comprising the step of absorbing separatedwater or liquid within the waste collection device according to thepresent invention using super absorbent polymers contained in a fibermatrix pad (e.g. diaper or mini-pad with a non-woven wrap aroundmaterial that lets waste liquid or water inside, and with a plastichandle or nonwoven handle to make it easy to remove without having anoperator touch).

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic food service items, comprising the step of transporting the postconsumer paperboard or plastic food service items using an over wraptransport waste container.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic food service items, comprising the step of transporting the postconsumer paperboard or plastic food service items using an over wraptransport waste container constructed of low density polyethylene(LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), or high densitypolyethylene (HDPE).

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic food service items, comprising the step of transporting the postconsumer paperboard or plastic food service items using over wraptransport waste container impregnated with biocides to inhibit thegrowth of bacteria, virus, bugs, mold, and fungi.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic food service items, comprising the step of transporting the postconsumer paperboard or plastic food service items using over wraptransport waste containers including a mechanism for the generation ofinert gas.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic food service items, comprising the step of transporting the postconsumer paperboard or plastic food service items using over wraptransport waste containers each equipped with a visual identificationfeature which is capable of being read by machine.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic food service items, comprising the step of transporting the postconsumer paperboard or plastic food service items using over wraptransport waste containers equipped with an electronic identificationdevice employing radio frequency technology.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic food service items, comprising the step of transporting the postconsumer paperboard or plastic food service items using transport wastecontainers containing the post consumer paperboard or plastic foodservice items mixed with other recyclables, garbage, or trash forpickup.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic food service items, comprising the step of transporting the postconsumer paperboard or plastic food service items using transport wastecontainers for other recyclables, garbage, or trash for existingrecyclable or trash purveyors.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic food service items, comprising the step of transporting the postconsumer paperboard or plastic food service items using a GPS signal tonotify trash purveyors that waste is ready to be picked up andtransported.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic food service items, comprising the step of transporting the postconsumer paperboard or plastic food service items with other recyclable,garbage, or trash, and offloading the mixed waste at a recyclingsubstation or municipal recycling facility.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic food service items, comprising the step of using electronicinterrogators (e.g. readers) employed at a recycling substation ormunicipal recycling facility to locate and record the transport wastecontainers.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic food service items, comprising the step of segregating transportcontainers using the information from the electronic interrogators.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic food service items, comprising the step of manually segregatingtransport waste containers using the location established by theelectronic interrogators.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic food service items, comprising the step of segregating transportcontainers using an automated device, which derives location coordinatesfrom the electronic interrogators.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic food service items, comprising the step of aggregating transportcontainers and baling the aggregated transport containers using a balingpress to compact and bundle multiple transport waste containers.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic food service items, including the step of transporting multiplebundles of transport waste containers from the recycling substation orMURF to a central processing facility.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step of offloading and staging bundles oftransport waste containers are offloaded and staged at a centralprocessing facility.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic food service items, comprising the step of removing wires usedto secure bundled transport waste containers.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic food service items, comprising the step of singulating bundledtransport waste containers using a series of gates and moving belts.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic food service items, comprising the step of electronicallypolling transport waste containers to establish their unique identity.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic food service items, comprising the step of individually weighingtransport waste containers with waste content.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic food service items, comprising the step of merging the weightsto identify transport containers to create a chain of custody andtransfer record.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic food service items, comprising the step of cutting transportwaste containers using high pressure water jets.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic food service items, comprising the step of separating transportwaste containers from post consumer food service items using a shakerscreen.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic food service items, comprising the step of segregating andcollecting empty transport waste containers.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the steps of collecting and transporting postconsumer food service items to a washing vessel.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step of washing the post consumer foodservice items using hot water and surfactants to remove food and/orliquid residual contaminants.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic food service items, comprising the steps of collecting andtransporting the post consumer food service items to a batch and/orcontinuous pulper.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step of re-pulping post consumerpaperboard food service items using hot water and chemicals to separatethe cellulose fibers from each other and from any waterproof coatings.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step of extracting cellulose fibers,predominantly long fibers originating from Southern bleached softwoodpulp.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step of removing cellulose fibers using apulper having a perforated or slotted extraction plate in the bottom orextracting end of the pulper.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step of removing cellulose fibers using apulper having holes or slots in the extraction plate that are too smallto allow the passage of waterproof coating flakes.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step of collecting waterproof coatingflakes remaining in the pulper.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step of dewatering collected waterproofcoating flakes using a screw press or similar device.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step of burning dewatered waterproofcoating flakes or otherwise processed to extract energy and/or make aproduct that can be used as part of another product.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step of screening extracted cellulosefibers at atmospheric pressure using side hill screens equipped withperforated or slotted screen plates.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step of pressure screening cellulosefibers using slots ranging in size from 0.008 to 0.004 inches.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step of cleaning cellulose fibers using alow density centrifugal cleaner to remove particles that are heavierthan cellulose (i.e. Forward Cleaning)

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step cleaning cellulose fibers using a lowdensity centrifugal cleaner to remove particles that are lighter thancellulose (Reverse Cleaning)

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step of de-inking cellulose fibers using aflotation device.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step of color stripping cellulose fibersusing bleach and/or other chemical agents.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step of dewatering the cellulose fibersusing mechanical means and formed into a mat.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step of drying a cellulose fiber mat usinga combination of convective and conductive heat transfer.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step of slitting or cutting a driedcellulose fiber mat into sheets.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the steps of stacking, compressing and bandingsheets of cellulose into bundles.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard foodservice items, comprising the step of deriving de-inked pulp similar tosouthern bleached softwood virgin pulp, which could be used to add toother fiber to make cup stock.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic based food service items, including the step of removing anyforeign objects (e.g. hard objects, metal objects, hard plastic,ceramic, wood) from the waste prior to a step of de-bulking the waste toprevent damage to the de-bulking equipment or device.

A system, process, and method or recycling post consumer paperboard orplastic based food service items, including the steps of draining anywaste water or liquid from the waste, and pumping and/or draining thewaste water or liquid into a drain.

A system, process, and method of recycling post consumer paperboard intolong stock for use in making new paper products, in particular papercups.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a smart waste container.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container and anelectronic device.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container and anelectronic tracking device.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container and anelectronic device for communicating with a computer system.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a first waste container and anelectronic device for communicating with a second waste container.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container and anelectronic device for communicating with a disposable waste container.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container and anelectronic tracking device for communicating with a disposable wastecontainer.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container and anelectronic device for communicating with another electronic device orsystem.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container and anelectronic tracking device for communicating with another electronicdevice or system.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container and anelectronic device for communicating with an external electronic device.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container and anelectronic device for communicating with an external electronic trackingdevice.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container and anelectronic device for communicating with an internal electronic device.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container and anelectronic device for communicating with an internal electronic trackingdevice.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container and anelectronic device for wirelessly communicating with another electronicdevice or system.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container and anelectronic device for communicating with another electronic device via atelephone system.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container and anelectronic device for communicating with another electronic device via acellular system.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container and anelectronic device for communicating with another electronic device viathe Internet.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container and anelectronic device for communicating with another electronic device via asatellite.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container and anelectronic device for communicating with and/or detecting another wastecontainer.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container and anelectronic tracking device for communicating with another wastecontainer.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container and anelectronic device for communicating with and/or detecting another wastecontainer disposed within the waste container.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container and anelectronic device for communicating with and/or detecting another wastecontainer disposed within the waste container and communicating withanother electronic device.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container and anelectronic tracking device for communicating with and/or detectinganother waste container disposed within the waste container andcommunicating with another electronic device.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container and anelectronic tracking device for communicating with and/or detectinganother waste container disposed within the waste container andcommunicating tracking information with another electronic device.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container and anelectronic tracking device for communicating with and/or detectinganother waste container disposed within the waste container andcommunicating tracking information with a remote electronic device.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container and anelectronic device for communicating with and/or detecting an RFIDdevice.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container and anelectronic tracking device for communicating with and/or detecting anRFID device.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container and anelectronic tracking device for communicating with and/or detectinganother waste container comprising an RFID device.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container and anelectronic tracking device for communicating with and/or detectinganother disposable waste container comprising an RFID device.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container comprising anidentification device and another waste container comprising anidentification device.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container comprising anidentification device and another waste container disposed within thewaste container, the another waste container comprising anidentification device.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container comprising anidentification device; another waste container disposed within the wastecontainer, the another waste container comprising an identificationdevice; and an electronic device for communicating between theidentification devices of the waste container and the another wastecontainer.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container comprising anidentification device; another waste container disposed within the wastecontainer, the another waste container comprising an identificationdevice; and an electronic device for communicating between theidentification devices of the waste container and the another wastecontainer and a remote electronic device.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container comprising anidentification device; another waste container disposed within the wastecontainer, the another waste container comprising an identificationdevice; and an electronic device for communicating between theidentification devices of the waste container and the another wastecontainer and a remote electronic tracking device.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container and anelectronic device for communicating with and/or detecting a barcodedevice located on another waste container.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container and anelectronic device for communicating with and/or detecting a barcodedevice located on another waste container disposed within the wastecontainer.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container and anelectronic device for communicating with and/or detecting a barcodedevice located on a disposable waste container.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container and anelectronic device for communicating with and/or detecting a barcodelocated on a disposable waste container disposed within the wastecontainer.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container and anelectronic tracking device for communicating with and/or detecting abarcode located on a disposable waste container disposed within thewaste container.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container and anelectronic tracking device for communicating with and/or detectinganother waste container comprising an RFID device.

An apparatus comprising or consisting of a waste container and anelectronic tracking device for communicating with and/or detecting adisposable waste container comprising an RFID device.

A system comprising or consisting of waste container for electronicallycommunicating or signaling to an electronic device and/or system.

A system comprising or consisting of waste container for electronicallycommunicating or signaling to an electronic tracking device and/orsystem.

A system comprising or consisting of waste container for electronicallycommunicating or signaling to a remote electronic device and/or system.

A system comprising or consisting of an electronic waste container forelectronically communicating or signaling to an electronic device and/orsystem.

A system comprising or consisting of an electronic waste container forelectronically communicating or signaling to an electronic trackingdevice and/or system.

A system comprising or consisting of an electronic waste container forelectronically communicating or signaling to a remote electronic deviceand/or system.

A system comprising or consisting of an electronic waste container forelectronically communicating or signaling to another waste container.

A system comprising or consisting of an electronic waste container forelectronically communicating or signaling to a waste container disposedwithin or to be disposed within the electronic waste container.

A system comprising or consisting of an electronic waste container forelectronically communicating or signaling to a waste container disposedwithin or to be disposed within the electronic waste container andcommunicating with another electronic device or system.

A system comprising or consisting of an electronic waste container forelectronically communicating or signaling to a waste container disposedwithin or to be disposed within the electronic waste container andcommunicating with a remote electronic device or system.

A system comprising or consisting of an electronic waste container forwirelessly communicating or signaling to a waste container disposedwithin or to be disposed within the electronic waste container andcommunicating with a remote electronic device or system.

A method comprising or consisting of communicating or signalinginformation between an electronic waste container to another wastecontainer.

A method comprising or consisting of communicating or signalinginformation between an electronic waste container to another wastecontainer disposed or to be disposed within the electronic wastecontainer.

A method comprising or consisting of communicating or signalinginformation between an electronic waste container and another deviceand/or system.

A method comprising or consisting of communicating or signalinginformation between an electronic waste container to another wastecontainer and communicating or signaling between the electronic wastecontainer and another device and/or system.

A system, process, and method for recycling waste, in particulartargeted waste. Further, a system, process, and method for recyclingwaste, comprising the step(s) of marking and/or tagging a wastecontainer. The waste container can be a recyclable waste container, adisposable waste container, a reusable waste container, or any othertype of waste container or containers used from the point of collectionof the waste (e.g. waste receptacle, waste collection device, wastecollection device according to the present invention) to anotherlocation such as a point of recycling of the waste (e.g. waste recyclingplant).

A waste recycling system, and method for collecting and transportingwaste in recyclable or disposable waste containers such as plastic bags,plastic liners, plastic boxes, composite bags, composite paper bags,composite plastic bags, composite plastic/paper bags, non-compositepaper bags, cardboard boxes, and other suitable containers that can beused to collect waste, in particular targeted waste, and be markedand/or tagged.

The marking and/or tagging of the waste containers allow the wastecontainers to be identified and sorted from other waste or wastecontainers. Further, marking and/or tagging allows for maintaining thechain of custody from the point of collection to the point of recycling.

A waste recycling system and process for recycling targeted waste. Thetargeted waste is a particular type of waste selected to be collectedand recycled such as a particular waste item and/or similar type ofwaste material. For example, used paper cups are targeted waste to berecycled into new food board stock material, which can then be made intonew paper cups having a certain percentage of recycled material content.The targeted waste is collected and/or sorted so as to be the samematerial for facilitating the recycling process to make recycled stockmaterials. As another example, plastic beverage containers made of thesame plastic material (e.g. polyethylene, PET) are targeted waste to becollected, and then recycled. The targeted plastic waste can becollected in marked and/or tagged disposable plastic bags, shipped withother waste from the store to a waste processing location, and thensorted and collected to be shipped to a recycling location.

Targeted waste is collected in recycling waste receptacles (e.g. garbagecan, trash can, waste receptacle, garbage receptacle, trash receptacle,box, waste container, waste collection device, waste collection device).Specifically, marked and/or tagged waste receptacles (i.e. marked and/ortagged for the particular waste item or waste material) for collectingonly the targeted waste(s) are set up in the store so that consumers(e.g. customers, employees of the store) selectively dispose of thetargeted waste(s) into the marked waste receptacles. For example, arecycling waste receptacle having a sign for “USED PAPER CUPS ONLY” isprinted or displayed on the waste receptacle to indicate to consumers toonly place “used paper cups only” into this particular markedreceptacle.

In a preferred embodiment, the marked receptacle is fitted with aremovable plastic bag or liner to contain and remove the targeted wastefrom the marked waste receptacle when filled or being emptied, forexample, at closing of the store at the end of the day or periodically.

The bulk of the collected waste material can be reduced or debulked. Thebulk of the collected waste material, preferably targeted wastematerial, can be reduced, for example, by flattening and/or puncturing.In addition, or alternatively, the waste material can be reduced bycutting, shredding, tearing, penetrating, perforating, rolling,compressing, mechanically compromising, chemically compromising,electrically compromising, and/or otherwise disassembling the wasteitem.

The waste can be de-bulked on-site, for example, at the store locationto provide a higher bulk density for containment and shipping. Forexample, a waste collection device to be located in a store can befitted with a shredder for de-bulking the waste material. The wastecollection device can be located in the customer area (i.e. front of thestore) so that the consumer dispose of the targeted waste (e.g. usedpaper cups, plastic bottles) directly into the waste collection device,for example, fitted with a removable plastic bag or liner (e.g.preferably a recyclable or disposable plastic bag or liner).Alternatively, the waste collection device is located in a non-customeraccessed area of the store (i.e. back of the store), and employeesperiodically dispose of targeted waste from waste receptacle(s) into theshredder, which shreds the used items collects such into in plastic bagsor liners readied for storage and eventual transportation from thestore.

The plastic bags or other waste containers utilized in the system,process, and method according to the present invention are provided withat least one tag, preferably an electronic tag such as an RF tag (e.g.RFID, UHFID), or similar wireless electronic tag to electronically tag afirst waste container (e.g. plastic bags). Alternatively, or inaddition, the bags may be colored marked, marked with a bar code ormarked with other distinctive marking to identify the bag and/or thewaste contents of the bag. For example, each RF device or bar code canbe used to identify a particular bag, or identify the type of waste in aparticular bag or other waste container. Preferably, each bag isuniquely tagged with a code to later identify that particular bag.

The RF tags can be associated with the disposable plastic bags, linersor other waste containers in a variety of ways. For example, the atleast one RF tag is loosely, placed inside each plastic bag or othercontainer (e.g. by the manufacturer of the plastic bags, employeelocated at the store), or secured or attached to the plastic bag orother container by heat bonding, adhesive, pocketing, closure, plastictie and/or mechanically to the outside and/or inside of the plastic bag,liner, or other waste container. Preferably, the at least one RF tag islocated inside the tagged plastic bags, liners, or other wastecontainers in an effort to maintain the RF tag or tags within theparticular plastic bag or other waste container throughout use of theplastic bags or other containers to avoid loss or separation thereoffrom the plastic bags, liners, or other waste containers.

Multiple RF tags can be associated with each plastic bag or othercontainer to provide redundancy in the event one or more RF tags aredamaged or disabled so that the plastic bag, liners, or other wastecontainers can still be identified, located, and sorted, for example,from a general waste stream reaching a waste processing location orwaste collection center. The RF tags are relatively inexpensive, andthus economically allowing for redundancy of the RF tags in theapplications of the present invention(s). The plastic bags, liners, orother waste containers containing the targeted waste can be selectivelypicked up and collected from multiple stores, however, the costs may beprohibitive with such selective transportation of the targeted waste. Aless costly alternative involves collecting the targeted waste as partof the general waste stream collection process or as part of anotherrecycling collection process. For example, it is desirable that thetagged plastic bags, liners, or other waste containers containing thetargeted waste are co-mingled along with the other store waste, and thentransported together as a general waste steam to a waste processinglocation or waste collection center. Alternatively, the plastic bags,liners, or other waste containers containing the targeted waste can beco-mingled with recyclables (i.e. with other bulk materials collectedfor recycling), and sent to a waste processing location or wastecollection center.

Electronic detectors for the RF tags can be provided at the wasteprocessing location or waste collection center to locate theelectronically tagged plastic bags, liners, or other waste containerscontaining the targeted waste. For example, the electronic detectors canbe located on garbage trucks, unloading docks, sorting fields or areas,conveyors, chutes, or other suitable location or locations at the wasteprocessing location or waste collection center.

The tagged plastic bags, liners, or other waste containers according tothe present invention are sorted by manual or automated methods orprocedures, and collected together at the waste processing location orwaste collection center. These plastic bags, liners, or other wastecontainers are aggregated (e.g. baled or palletized), and thentransported to waste recycling location (e.g. waste recycling plant) forrecycling. For example, flattened and punctured cups are transported toa paper mill where they are broken down into their constituent parts,and the fiber is reprocessed into pulp suitable for manufacturing intoproducts with direct food contact.

At this point the resulting pulp can either be sold or made into paperor paperboard. If the pulp is made into food paperboard, one possibleapplication is making paper cups with recycled material content.

A waste collection device. The waste collection device can be a standalone collection device. The waste collection device can be configuredto be a self-contained unit, and collect waste onsite, for example, at arestaurant, retail store, business, office, school, commercial,industrial, government or other locations. The waste collection devicecan be configured to treat the waste, in particular treat the waste whenbeing discarded into and/or stored in the waste collection device. Inpreferred embodiments, the waste collection device can treat the wasteby de-bulking (e.g. shredding), disinfecting, identifying the waste,removing water or liquid from the waste to maintain the quality of thestock material of the waste as it is being inserted and/or stored in thewaste collection device. In a more preferred embodiment, the waste istreated in multiple steps or multiple processes, again to maintain thequality of the stock material of the waste for recycling purposes.

The waste collection device can include a collection vessel. Thecollection vessel, for example, can include a collection vessel topportion supported by a collection vessel housing. A processing section,which could contain the debulking mechanism (e.g. shredding mechanism),an unwanted waste rejection mechanism, a disinfecting device, a taggingmechanism, and/or controls to operate the collection device can belocated between the collection vessel top portion and the collectionvessel housing. The processing section, for example, can be a module,and removed in-tack for repairs or replacement. Alternatively, theprocessing section can be located inside the collection vessel topportion and/or the collection vessel housing.

The collection vessel housing can be where the waste is stored isvessels such as bags, liners, boxes, or other suitable containers. Thisstorage section allows the water/liquid to drain through to the bottomsection, and also contains the identification device and can allow forfurther disinfecting of the waste material, if needed. The collectionvessel housing can be provided with an access door (e.g. front door) forproviding access to the inside of the collection vessel housing toremove the waste and service the collection vessel housing.

A collection vessel lower portion is located below the collection vesselhousing. In a preferred embodiment, the collection vessel lower portioncontains a collection pan, sump pump, drain and/or siphon to collect andeliminate the water or liquid from the waste collection device. Thissection can contain a super absorbing pad that would collect and wateror liquids, which drain or move inside the collection vessel housing.The pad can be easily removed and thrown away with other garbage.

A removable waste collection bag is provided in the collection vesselhousing. An upper end of the waste collection bag is maintained openedby the collection vessel top portion and/or collection vessel housingwhen installed in the collection vessel housing to allow shredded wasteto fall via gravity into the collection bag during operation of thewaste collection device.

The waste collection bag can be constructed (e.g. perforated) to allowwater or liquid to drain from the waste collection bag when installedinside the collection vessel housing. For example, a lower portion ofthe waste collection bag is provided with an opening(s) and/or drain(s).The collection bag can be a disposable plastic bag having a lowerportion perforated with multiple holes (e.g. pattern design or matrixarrangement of drain holes). The liquid or water drains from the wastecollection bag as waste is being de-bulked into the waste collectionbag, for example, by a shredder mechanism. The liquid or water continuesto drain from the shredded waste contained and stored in the wastecollection bag with time due to the effects of gravity.

When the waste collection bag is filled, the waste collection bag isremoved from the waste collection device. For example, a front door onthe collection vessel housing is opened, and then the filled wastecollection bag is removed therefrom. In a preferred embodiment, atransport bag is fitted around (i.e. nested outside) the wastecollection bag just prior to removal of the waste collection bag fromthe collection vessel housing. The transport bag is preferably anon-perforated bag configured to contain and seal the filled wastecollection bag, and prevent leaking of the waste collection bag duringremoval from the collection vessel housing and subsequent transport andstorage thereof.

The waste collection bag and/or transport bag can be fitted with andRFID tag to carry out the waste recycling processes according to thepresent invention. Preferably, the RFID tag is provided in the transportbag to avoid contact with any liquid or water. Further, preferably thewaste collection bag and/or transport bag are coated or impregnated witha biocide (e.g. liquid, powder, coating), which is activated in thepresence of liquid or water or water vapor. Alternatively, biocide canbe sprayed or dispersed into or onto the shredded material.

The collection vessel upper portion is preferably provided with anaccess door through which waste can be inserted. For safety purposes,the access door is preferably an automated door having a proximitysensor to “sense” the presence of a hand as it approaches the opening toopen the automated door. The shredder mechanism located below theautomated door is provided with an interlock so that the shreddermechanism will not operate when the automated door is open, and willlock the automated door closed during operation of the shreddermechanism. The interlock can also include one or more proximity sensorsso that the shredder mechanism will not operate if an individual or useris within a predetermined distance of the waste collection device (e.g.within several feet of the waste collection device). This providesinterlock redundancy, and an additional level of safety against injuryto the individual or user of the waste collection device.

The access door can be provided with one or more mechanical interlock(s)and/or one or more electronic interlock(s). The top of the container canbe configured so that when the access door is opened, there is a falsebottom (e.g. sliding or rotating door(s) so that it is impossible to puta user's hand, fingers, or foreign objects (e.g. sticks, metal objects)into the collection vessel shredder blades or mechanism. When the dooris closed, the waste falls or slides from the false bottom into thevessel, and the electronic interlock(s) start the shredding mechanism.An arm, brushes, or other mechanism sweeps the area for anything heavieror stiffer than a cup, and removes this into a unwanted waste collectionsection located behind the processing section. The processing sectionmay include a feeding device for moving and feeding the cups into theshredder mechanism and moving any unwanted waste into the unwanted wastecollection section.

A disinfecting device, preferably a UV light emitting diode (LED)mechanism can be located in conjunction within the processing section.The UV LED can provide UV radiation to the waste material either before,during, and/or after the debulking mechanism is operated. For example,the UV light will be turned on as the de-bulking mechanism is turned onand turned off either by a timing mechanism or as the de-bulkingmechanism is turned off. A disinfectant spray mechanism and/or a powderdistribution mechanism can also be located in this area and operate inconjunction with the de-bulking mechanism. For example, the spray headsare located in the de-bulking section so that all sides of the wastematerial can be sprayed. The vessels holding the disinfectant spray, forexample, can be located in the waste collection section so they can beserviced when the waste bags are being removed.

The waste collection device can be configured to disinfect the waste, inparticular disinfect the waste as it is being inserted into the wastecollection device and/or when the waste is being stored inside the wastecollection device. For example, the waste collection device is providedwith a spray device for disbursing a liquid or powdered disinfectantonto the shredded waste. The spray device is preferably located insidethe waste collection device, and configured to spray the shredded wastefalling out of the shredder mechanism.

Alternatively, or in addition, the spray device disburses disinfectantonto the waste sitting in the waste collection bag. For example, thewaste stream is sprayed when exiting the shredder mechanism, and againsprayed at a later time when sitting in the waste storage bag. A timesequenced or programmed sequence of spraying can be configured to ensurethat the waste is adequately disinfected while sitting in the wastestorage bag. In operation, a waste storage bag can be replaced inminutes, hours, or even days depending on the amount of use of theparticular waste collection device. Thus, timed or programmedre-treatment of the waste may be necessary to prevent deterioration ofthe waste stock material to allow later recycling thereof.

Disinfecting of the waste can also be accomplished by using ultra violet(UV) light, micro-waving, refrigeration, freezing and/or irradiation,for example, from mechanical/electronic devices located inside the wastecollection device. This disinfecting preferably occurs inside the wastecollection device while the waste is being processed and/or stored,however, it can also occur upstream or downstream relative to the wastecollection device.

The waste collection device can be configured to collect the liquid orwater draining from the waste collection bag contained in the collectionvessel housing. The collection container can be configured to collectthe liquid or water draining form the waste collection bag (e.g.removable containment vessel, flexible collection bag, collection trayor container positioned inside the collection vessel housing andpositioned beneath the draining waste collection bag). In anotherembodiment, a collection pan having a sump pump is positioned inside thecollection vessel housing beneath the draining waste collection bag. Thesump pump is provided with a pan level sensor so that the sump pump isoperated when the pan is filled. The sump pump can pump the waste liquidor water to a collection container located inside or outside the wastecollection device, or via a conduit or pipe can pump the waste liquid orwater to a remove location (e.g. floor drain located remote from wastecollection device, sewer). In a further embodiment, a sump is providedin the collection vessel, and contains a pad having absorbent material(e.g. desiccant) or other absorbent material and/or device to collectand turn the liquid into a more solid matter. The size of the pad andamount of absorbent material used in the pad is calculated by the padmanufacturer based on the expected amount of liquids estimated orexpected to be received by the system. In addition, a sponge can be usedin combination in the event the amount of liquids is underestimated, andthen disposed of when the sump is being cleaned.

The collection vessel of the waste collection device can be configuredto be mobile. For example, a set of swivel wheels can be fitted to thebottom of the collection vessel. In use, for example, the wastecollection device can be co-located with a traditional refuse or wastecontainer. As the customer approaches, he or she discards and cover,straw, stir stick, sleeve, etc. in the waste container. As thecustomer's hand approaches the collection vessel, the powered automateddoor opens and the customer drops the recyclable product or waste intothe opening. When the customer has retreated a distance of 2 to 4 feetfrom the collection vessel, the automated door closes, and sensors inthe collection vessel head sense the presence of a cup and proceed toinitiate the shredding process and mechanism to remove unwanted waste.This process begins by locking the powered automated door closed, and isinterlocked electronically and mechanically. Once the interlocks havebeen proven, the shredder mechanism activates feeding the cup throughthe shredder mechanism producing preferably a cross-cut waste material.As the waste material is exiting the shredder, the UV LED mechanism isoperated, and a fine mist of water based or dry disinfectant/biocide issprayed onto the waste material, and the waste material then drops intothe collection bag.

Once the waste material is in the collection bag, the waste liquid orwater drains by gravity through the bag's perforated holes, and into thedrainage sump. When the collection bag is full as signaled by anindicator (e.g. light, sound, or other warning), the attendant placesthe transport bag around the waste collection bag, and removes thecombined bags from the collection vessel for disposal thereof. As thishappens, the RFID indicator is triggered by the identificationmechanism, and the material begins its identification process.

System

The waste tracking and/or recycling system can include marking and/ortagging waste, preferably targeted waste. The waste can be marked and/ortagged from the point of collection to the point of recycling.

The waste is marked and/or tagged at the point of collection such as ata waste container, trash container, waste collection device, or wastecollection device according to the present invention. In a preferredembodiment of the waste recycling system according to the presentinvention, the waste itself, plastic bag, plastic liner, or other wastecontainer is tagged immediately upon waste being disposed of by theconsumer.

In a preferred embodiment of the waste collection device according tothe present invention, the waste collection device includes one or moreelectronic tag detectors that immediately detect the electronic tagassociated with the plastic bag, liner, or other waste containerdisposed within the waste collection device (e.g. another wastecontainer for the plastic bag). The electronic tag detector identifieseach RF tag and its code, and sends this information to an electronicwaste identification, tracking, and monitoring device, preferablycontained within the waste collection device (e.g. another wastecontainer for the plastic bag).

The waste collection device preferably also includes a weighingapparatus for weighing the targeted waste being filled into the plasticbag, liner, or other waste container of the waste collection device. Inaddition, the waste collection device can include sensors (e.g.temperature, pressure, humidity, collection tank fluid level, sprayerliquid level(s), bag fill level, equipment condition detectors, smelldetectors, material detectors, equipment maintenance detectors,operational detectors) and alarms (e.g. fire detector, vapor detector,tamper detector, safety detector(s)) for monitoring the specifications,operation, and production of the waste collection device.

The electronic tag detector(s), weighing apparatus, and sensors areelectronically linked (e.g. wire or wireless) to communicate with theelectronic waste identification, tracking, and monitoring device. Inthis manner, the waste collection device communicates discrete or realtime data concerning tracking the targeted waste (e.g. dates, times,quantities), the number of electronic tag(s) detected, the timeselectronic tag(s) are detected (e.g. start, finish), the identificationof the electronic tags detected, type of waste material, fill level oftargeted waste material in plastic bag or liner, fluid levels ofequipment, operational conditions (e.g. temperature, pressure, vapor,water or liquid levels in collection tray), warnings, alerts. Theelectronic waste identification, tracking, and monitor device iselectronically linked (e.g. wire or wireless) to a store computer systemand/or remote central computer system. Preferably, the waste collectiondevice the electronic communicates (e.g. via the electronic wasteidentification, tracking, and monitoring device) with the store computersystem and central computer system, so that the waste collection devicecan collect data, and be monitored 24 hours, 7 days per week. In someapplications, some selected aspects or all aspects of the wastecollection device (e.g. operations, maintenance levels, alarms, alerts,safety, tag information) can be remotely controlled by the storecomputer system and/or remote central computer system by one or moreoperators and/or via computer programmed control.

The electronic identification, tracking, and monitoring device beginsthe process of identifying plastic bags, liners, or other wastecontainers disposed within the waste collection device, which definesthe entry point of waste collection. The store can include additionalelectronic tag detectors at various locations (e.g. waste storage room,waste removal exit) to track the progress of filled plastic bags,liners, or other waste containers moving about within, or exiting thestore. Further, the outside waste receptacles, cans, dumpsters, oroutside waste pickup station(s) can be fitted with electronic tagdetectors to track progress to these locations.

The waste recycling production and tracking information from the abovedescribed waste tracking system can be used for real time monitoring ofthe waste flow, identify location of tagged waste anytime, forecastingfuture waste production levels and volumes, waste pick up scheduling(e.g. trucking), and maintaining continuous custody and ownership of thetargeted waste material. For example, ownership, control, and/orresponsibility of the waste from the store to the hauler or network canbegin upon a plastic bag, liner, or other waste container being removedfrom the waste collection devices in one store, chain of stores, town,village, city, region, state, and country. This information, forexample, can be used for financial accounting purposes to set forthsales information (e.g. prices, volume, time of sale, place of sale,purchaser, delivery timing and dates) identification of haulers,bidders, bids, schedule of payments to stores, hauler, recyclers, andsystem.

The waste collection device can utilize or develop transportationssystems and platforms similar to UBER, LYFT, or similar GPS systems tonotify waste purveyors when waste is ready to be picked up. Theparameters of this system for waste collection can be developed anddesigned to efficiently pickup and transport waste. The system andplatform can include the pickup, transportation, and tracking of thetargeted waste.

The waste collection device can send a signal to provide the GPSlocation of the waste (e.g. street (NYC), waste bins, waste storagerooms) and other information contained in the system such as weight,contents of load, and any other information that a purveyor may needand/or has been collected by the system. The pickup signal can becommunicated and received by the nearest purveyor, for example, can betransportation system partners having appropriate electronic equipmentconfigured to receive the pickup signal.

The waste collection device can receive a signal from the waste purveyorwhen the waste is being picked up. For example, the signal can providethe driver's name, vehicle ID, and other information required as part ofthe transportation systems platform.

The waste purveyor can send a signal to the nearest collection facilitywhen the vehicle is full. The collection facility can receive thesignal, which will include the purveyor's information and informationfrom the waste collection device about the targeted waste includingweight and type of targeted waste being transported. Upon wastecollection facility acceptance of the load, it will provide GPSlocation/zone to the waste purveyor where to unload waste.

The waste collection facility can utilize the same system to notifytransportation purveyors, which can be transportation system partnerswhen bundled loads are ready to be picked up and sent to a processingfacility. The processing facility can utilize the same system to notifytransportation purveyors when it has something to ship to otherlocations.

The transportation system can include selected communications such asRFID information collected by the waste collection device. The materialusing GPS tracking can be followed by the main computer system so thatwaste will not be stolen or lost in the transportation cycles. It willalso provide information to perform resource and space planning from thewaste collection device to the collection facility, the processingfacility, and the final customer of the recycled materials.

The waste collection device according to the present invention caninclude the feature of providing an incentive or reward for a consumerdisposing waste into the waste collection device. The waste collectiondevice can vend coupons (e.g. free food, discounted food), prizes,chips, money, toys, gifts, or other items of value to the consumer.Alternatively, the waste collection device can have a light show, music,verbal entertainment, internet links connecting consumers to prizesites, or other activities of value to the consumer.

Processes and Methods

The present invention is directed to an improved waste recycling and/ortracking process and method.

A preferred embodiment of the improved waste recycling process andmethod according to the present invention comprises the step of tagging,preferably electronic tagging plastic bags, liners, or other wastecontainers for containing waste, preferably targeted waste. The taggingstep allows the plastic bags, liners, or other waste containers to beidentified, for example, for later separating or sorting from the otherwaste. Tagging the plastic bags, liners, or other waste containersallows maintaining a chain of custody of the targeted waste to provideeffective recycling of the targeted waste.

The targeted waste itself can be tagged, preferably electronicallytagged. For example, the targeted waste can be identified by placing atag, preferably an electronic tag amid the waste material itself. Forexample, a tag is added to the targeted waste being filled in a plasticbag, liner, or other waste container. Bulk targeted waste stored ortransported in large containers, dumpsters, trucks, piles, storage bins,or other bulk storage devices can be tagged by placing one or more tags,preferably electronic tags, within the bulk targeted waste materialitself to identify the type of targeted waste material and provide achain of custody of the bulk targeted material.

Other preferred embodiments of the improved waste recycling process andmethod according to the present invention, comprises the step ofinitially sorting the targeted waste upon being disposed of by theconsumer. It is preferably to sort or separate the waste immediatelyafter use by consumers so that the consumers conduct the sorting orseparating step, and to prevent contamination of the targeted waste. Forexample, a plurality of marked waste collection bins (e.g. positionedside-by-side) are provided in stores so that the consumers place aparticular type of targeted waste into a particularly marked wastecollection bin. It is preferably that only a single type of targetedwaste (e.g. waste made of one type of material, fiber, foam, or plasticthat is capable of being recycled as a batch) is sorted or separatedinto a single waste collection bin.

More preferred embodiments of the improved waste recycling process andmethod according to the present invention, comprise the steps of taggingplastic bags, liners, or other waste containers for targeted waste, andsorting or separating targeted waste into the plastic bags, liners, orother waste containers. The tagging step can be conducted before,simultaneously, or after the sorting or separating step. For example,plastic bags or liners are provided with electronic tags duringmanufacturing of the plastic bags or liners (i.e. before sorting orseparating step), or plastic bags or liners filled with targeted wastecan be fitted with closures provided with electronic tags to close samefor transporting (i.e. after sorting or separating step).

Again, preferably a single type of waste (e.g. paper cups, paper plates,plastic tableware, plastic containers, plastic bottles, paper products,food waste) are collected into a waste container (e.g. plastic bag,color-code plastic bag, paper bag, paper container, cardboardcontainer). The waste container can be located within a waste receptacle(e.g. garbage container, trash container) to allow the container tofunction, or be used or operated. When the container is full, the wastecontainer is tagged, preferably with an electronic IF tag, which allowsthe contents of the container to be identified and tracked.

Again, preferably only one type of waste is collected into a singlecontainer to segregate and protect the particular type of waste fromcontamination from other types of waste, especially food waste. This isparticularly important for recycling food grade products controlled bythe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) so that the particular food gradeproduct waste is not contaminated to allow recycling thereof.

Alternatively, or in addition, to mark the container, the container canbe color-coded (e.g. color coded plastic bags) to allow visualidentification of the particular type of waste contained within thecontainer. The color coding and/or tagging allows the container to beseparated from other waste or other waste type containers, for example,at a waste processing location or waste collection center.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the recycling of targeted wastefrom a store into new products having recycled content.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a new unopened electronicallytagged plastic bag or other container device according to the presentinvention having at least one RF tag.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a used filled plastic bag or othercontainment device according to the present invention having at leastone RF tag containing targeted waste readied for transportation to aprocessing plant.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the wastecollection device according to the present invention showing theautomated door in an open position.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the waste collection device shown inFIG. 4, however, with the automated door in a closed position.

FIG. 6 is a front diagrammatic view of the waste collection device shownin FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a front diagrammatic elevational view of the waste collectiondevice shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic broken away front elevational view of thesliding doors of the collection vessel upper portion.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the lower portion of the collectionvessel.

FIG. 10 is a front diagrammatic elevational view of the waste collectionbag and transport bag.

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic bottom view of the waste collection bagshowing the perforations.

FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of a waste recycling system for usein a front of the store location to collect recyclables from consumers.

FIG. 13 is a top planar view of the admittance door located on the topof the waste recycling system shown in FIG. 14, showing the inspectioncameras and the locking lug.

FIG. 14 is a detailed view of the bulk reduction mechanism of the shownin FIG. 14.

FIG. 15 is a detailed view of the sanitizing section using both UV lightand liquid sanitizer of the Smart Container shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the perforated bag comprising awireless ID tag of the Smart Container shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is a detailed view of the bag holder and load cells of the SmartContainer shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 18 is a detailed view of the collection sump located in the bottomof the Smart Container shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 19 is a view illustrating the installation of the overwrap bagbeing installed over the perforated collection bag shown in FIG. 19.

FIG. 20 is a view illustrating the evacuation of air from the sealedoverwrap bag shown in FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a view illustrating the overwrap bag after the air isevacuated.

FIG. 22 is a view illustrating the bags shown in FIG. 23 placed on aconveyor for high pressure water slitting.

FIG. 23 is a view illustrating the slit bags being processed in thescreening/classifying equipment.

FIG. 24 is a view illustrating the repulper used to process the acceptsfrom the screening/classifying equipment.

FIG. 25 is a view illustrating a Smart Container according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic view of the Smart Container system.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION

A schematic diagram of the waste recycling system 10 according to thepresent invention is shown in FIG. 1.

The waste recycling system begins at a store location 12. Preferably,the store location 12 is just one of a series of stores of similar ordissimilar ownership that have agreed to cooperate with the desiredrecycling program to obtain the quantity of used waste material requiredfor commercial recycling.

It is important to note that the preferred embodiments described in thissection are directed towards particular types or otherwise targetedwaste, for example, used paper cups and used plastic beveragecontainers. However, the system, method, and device according to thepresent invention can have many applications for recycling differenttypes of waste (e.g. paper plates, foam plates, plastic utensils, paperbags, paper wrappers, foam cups, foam containers), and maintainingseparation and custody of the targeted waste from the point ofcollection to the recycling process or waste processing location toavoid contamination of the targeted waste material.

The initial selective collection of the targeted waste is a preferredinitial step to avoid any mixing of the targeted waste with othergeneral waste to avoid any contamination of the targeted waste. Further,providing and maintaining a hygienic environment form start to finish byusing new plastic bags or other containers, which are substantiallysanitary due to the method of manufacturing, maintains the quality ofthe targeted waste material through the collection, transportation,sorting or separating, and recycling steps. Typically, the food orbeverage contamination of the used containers, for example, paper cupsis usually not a factor effecting the final quality and sanitarystandards of the recycled pulp or other finished product, since thistype of contamination is effectively removed in the recycling process,for example, when making paper stock with recycled content from thewaste paper material of the used paper cups. However, bacteria or fungigrowth due to the waste food or beverage inside the used paper cups canbe a factor if not treated.

In the preferred embodiment, the used paper cups are collected in markedrecycling receptacles 14 (e.g. garbage cans, trash cans, garbagereceptacles, trash receptacles, cardboard boxes, cardboard containers,paper containers, paper boxes, composite containers, composite boxes,specialized containers). The receptacles 14 are marked so as to identifythe particular type or targeted waste to be discarded into the markedwaste receptacle 14. For example, the marked recycling receptacle 14 canbe marked “USED PAPER CUPS ONLY” by a sign, label, printing, or othersuitable display technique or method. Another receptacle can be marked“SPOONS, FORKS AND KNIFES” for plastic and wooden utensils.

As an option or improvement, the marked waste receptacles 14 in thestore are paper shredders and/or compactors configured to shred and/orcompact the used paper cups. The paper shredder and/or compactor can belocated in the front portion of the store allowing customer access, orcan be located in a back portion of the store to only allow employeeaccess and operation of the shredder and/or compactor. The papershredder and/or compactor use plastic bags or liners (e.g. heavier gaugeand/or larger plastic bags) including at least one RF tag associatedtherewith for electronically tagging the plastic bag or liner.

The marked recycling receptacles 14 are located inside the store 12where customers have access to these marked recycling receptacles 14 sothat customers discard their used paper cups or plastic beveragecontainers into the marked recycling receptacles 14 when finishedconsuming their beverages. The marked recycling receptacles 14 may eachbe fitted with a plastic bag 16 having at least one RF tag 18 (FIG. 2)associated therewith.

Alternatively, employees of the store 12 can sort through regular wastereceptacles 20 (i.e. unmarked waste receptacles) in the store 12 havingstandard plastic bags 22 (i.e. having no RF tags), to selectively removeand sort the used paper cups or plastic beverage containers from theother general store waste. The sorted used paper cups or beveragecontainers are then collected in plastic bags 16 each having at leastone RF tag 18 associated therewith. However, this method of sorting theused paper cups or plastic beverage containers from the other generalstore waste is more labor intensive and expensive. Further, the targetedwaste can be contaminated from the other general store waste materials,and is less desirable from initially separating the targeted waste intothe marked waste receptacles 14.

The electronically tagged plastic bags 16 are removed from the markedrecycling receptacles 14, and then collected with the regular plasticbags 22 containing general store waste from the store 12. Both thetagged plastic bags 16 and regular plastic bags 20 are thrown into adumpster 24 together to then enter the general waste stream 26.Alternatively, a garbage truck picks up the plastic bags 16, 20 togetherdirectly from the store 12. The electronically tagged plastic bags 16containing the targeted store waste and the regular plastic bags 20containing the general store waste are co-mingled together in thedumpster 24 or garbage truck, and are transported together as a generalwaste stream 26 to a waste collection center 28. Alternatively, theelectronically tagged plastic bags 16 or other containers are keptsegregated from the regular plastic bags 20 containing the general storewaste and are co-mingled with other materials (e.g. cardboard) that iscurrently being recycled by the individual store.

In another embodiment, the receptacle 14 itself is made to be recycledalong with the targeted waste contents contained therein to directlyserve as a waste “container according to the present invention. Forexample, the receptacle 14 can be a paper or cardboard box that iselectronically tagged with at least one RF tag associated therewith.Alternatively, the filled receptacle 14 is place in a plastic bag 16electronically tagged with at least one RF tag associated therewith. Thereceptacle 14 and targeted waste contents contained therein arediscarded into the dumpster 24 or garbage truck as a unit. Thisparticular receptacle 14 may or may not have a plastic bag or linerdepending on the particular application. In any event it is desirablethat such a receptacle remains intact when co-mingled with the wastestream and then later be sorted out, for example, as a waste collectioncenter.

The waste collection center 28 includes one or more RF sensors 30 forelectronically detecting the electronically tagged plastic bags 16 orcontainers containing the targeted store waste. An RF sensor 30 can belocated near or adjacent a location where the dumpsters 24 or garbagetrucks unload the general waste steam 26, for example, onto a sortingfloor of the waste collection center 28. Unloading and/or sortingequipment such as lifts or trucks can be fitted with RF sensors 30 tolocate the electronically tagged plastic bags 16 containing the targetedstore waste being moved or sorted on the sorting floor.

Alternatively, the general waste steam 26 is loaded onto a sortingconveyor 32 fitted with one or more RF sensors 30 located along thesorting conveyor 32. The sorting conveyor 32 can be fitted with amechanism to “kick out” the electronically tagged plastic bags 16 fromthe sorting conveyor 32 onto a chute 34 (or another conveyor) to sortour and collect the electronically tagged plastic bags 16.

The electronically tagged plastic bags 16 containing the targeted storewaste are collected (e.g. placed on pallets) for transportation as atargeted waste stream 36 to a recycling plant 38 such as a paper mill,plastic pellet manufacturing plant, or other recycling facility. Forrecycling paper cups, the targeted store waste is shipped to a papermill for recycling into new paper stock having recycled materialcontent. Once at the paper mill each individual bag is automaticallyweighted and a generator's attribution established. The targeted wastequality along with collection and transportation data is recorded andused for quality control purposes.

Alternatively, or in addition, the store 12 can be provided with aseparate dumpster 42 for collecting a recyclable waste 44, for example,cardboard waste. The electronically tagged plastic bags 16 can also becollected in the dumpster 42, and co-mingled with the recyclable waste44. The recyclable waste stream 46 is transported to a waste recyclingcenter 48, at which the electronically tagged plastic bags 16 are sortedfrom the recyclable waste 44.

The electronically tagged plastic bags 16 can be provided with a singleRF tag 18, or preferably multiple RF tags 18 to provide operationalredundancy in the event one or more of the RF tags are separated fromthe plastic bags 16, or damaged. The RF tags 18 are preferablyadhesively secured to the inside of the plastic bags 16 duringmanufacturing of the plastic bags 16. A targeted waste stream 36 istransported from the waste recycling center 48 to the recycling plant 38for recycling into new products having recycled content. Theelectronically tagged plastic bags 16 according to the present inventionare shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

As shown in FIG. 2, a newly manufactured unopened and unused flatplastic bag 16 is shown. The RF tag 18 is located inside the plastic bag16 preferably near or at the bottom thereof. A heat welded seam 19defines the bottom of the plastic bag 16. As shown in FIG. 3, theplastic bag 16 is filled with targeted waste 17 (e.g. shredded papercups or plastic bottles), however, the RF tag 18 remains adhered andattached to the inside surface of the plastic bag 16 to preventseparation from the plastic bag 16. A plastic tie 21 can be used toclose an upper portion of the plastic bag 16, or the upper end of theplastic bag 16 can be tied into a knot to close same.

The waste recycling method according to the present invention includesthe step of collecting targeted waste in electronically tagged plasticbags. This method maintains the targeted waste separated from otherwaste to prevent contamination and maintain custody of the targetedwaste.

Preferably, the target waste is collected immediately after use, forexample, after a store customer consumes his or her beverage, and thendiscards the used container. Collecting the targeted waste in markedwaste receptacles allows for the targeted waste to be immediately sortedfrom other waste, and greatly reduces the risk of contamination by otherstore waste. Optionally, it is desirable to shred, puncture, perforate,cut, drill, machine or otherwise compromise the wall(s) of the beveragecontainers (e.g. used paper cups) at the store location (e.g. insidewaste collection device) to allow the water or liquid to drain from thebeverage containers to facilitate the recycling thereof.

Waste Collection Device

A preferred embodiment of a stand alone type waste collection device 110according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. 4-11.

The waste collection device 110 includes a collection vessel upperportion 112, a collection vessel processing/shredder mechanism 114, acollection vessel housing 116, and a collection vessel lower portion118. The collection vessel lower portion 118 can be provided with adrawer for collecting and removing water, liquid and/or solids, and toallow cleaning of the drawer.

The collection vessel housing 116 sits on top of and is supported by thecollection vessel lower portion 118. The combined collection vesselupper portion 112 and collection vessel shredder mechanism 114 sits ontop of, and are supported by the collection vessel housing 116. Thesub-units (i.e. collection vessel upper portion 112 and collectionvessel lower portion 118) of the waste collection device 110 can beseparated sub-assembles connected together (e.g. removably connectedtogether), or can be assembled to become a single assembled unit.

The collection vessel housing 116 is provided with a door 120 having ahandle 122 to allow access to the inside of the collection vesselhousing 116. A waste collection bag 124 is provided inside thecollection vessel housing 116. The waste collection bag 124 is opened atits tops and closed at its bottom, however, a lower portion of the wastecollection bag 124 is provided with a plurality of perforations 125(FIGS. 10 and 11).

The waste collection bag 124 is situated inside the collection vesselhousing 116 so that the upper open end thereof is maintained opened toreceive shredded waste from the collection vessel shredder mechanism 114via gravity. For example, the collection vessel upper portion 112 andcollection vessel shredder portion 114 can be assembled together and beremovable as a sub-unit from the upper end of the collection vesselhousing 116. The upper end of the waste collection bag 124 is foldedover the upper edge of the collection vessel housing 116 to support andhold open the waste collection bag 124. Alternatively, a frame (e.g.sliding frame or other mechanical support) can be fitted inside thecollection vessel housing 116 to support and maintain the upper end ofthe waste collection bag 124 opened.

The collection vessel lower portion 118 is fitted with four (4) wheels126 at the bottom corners thereof to render the waste collection device110 mobile. For example, the wheels 126 are coaster wheels configured toswivel. This allows the waste collection device 10 to be moved aroundthe store, retail, office, school, commercial, institutional and/orgovernment locations.

The upper end of the collection vessel upper portion 112 is providedwith an opening 128 having an automated door 130 configured toautomatically open and close the opening 128. The waste is thrown intothe opening 128 by an individual or user.

A detailed diagrammatic view of the waste collection device 110 is shownin FIG. 7. The collection vessel upper portion 112 is shown with theopening 128 having an automated door 130. The automated door 130 isdriven by an electric motor/drive 132, and controlled by electroniccontrol unit 134 having hand proximity sensors 135 and body proximitysensors 136. The hand proximity sensors 135 are provided around theopening 128 for operating the automated door 130, and body proximitysensors 136 are provided around the front and sides of the wastecollection device 110 to sense the body of an individual or userproximate to the front and sides of the waste collection device 110. Thebody proximity sensors are used in combination with an interlockarrangement (e.g. electronic and/or mechanical) to prevent thecollection vessel shredder mechanism 114 to operate when an individualor user is proximate or near the waste collection device 110 (e.g. noshredding operation if individual or user is with 2 to 3 feet of wastecollection device 110).

The collection vessel upper portion 112 is configured to collect anddirect the waste towards the collection vessel shredder portion 114. Forexample, the collection vessel upper portion 112 is provided with acollection bin 137 having inner inclined wall portions 138 located underthe automated door 130 to direct the waste by gravity to a center trough140 located above the collection vessel shredder mechanism 114.

A pair of sliding doors 141, 141 are positioned above a pair of rotaryshredding cutters 142, 142, to provide a false bottom when a user isthrowing waste into the collection vessel upper portion 112 through anopened automated door 130. A detailed view of the sliding doors 141, 141is shown in FIG. 8. A pair of electronic stepping motors 141 a, 141 aprovided with friction driving wheels 141 b, 141 b are controlled byelectronic control unit 134, or other separate control unit, to open andclose the sliding doors 141, 141. Alternatively, the friction drivingwheels 141 b, 141 b can be replaced with rotary gears to cooperate witha rack formed into or attached to the sliding doors 141, 141 to drivethe sliding doors 141, 141, opened and closed.

Preferably, the sliding doors 141, 141 are programmed to remain closedwhen the rotary shredding cutters 142, 142 are operating to provide afail safe against personal injury to the user. For example, when a userapproaches the waste collection device 110, the automated door 130 openswhile the sliding doors 141, 141 remain closed.

After the user retreats form the waste collection device 110 apredetermined distance, the automated door 130 is closed, and then therotary shredding cutters 142, 142 are operated, and then the slidingdoors 141, 141 are opened to drop the waste located in the collectionbin 137 into the operating rotary shredding cutters 142, 142. After thewaste passes through the rotary shredding cutters 142, 142, then theoperation of the rotary shredding cutters 142, 142 is stopped, and thenthe sliding doors-141, 141 are closed and readied for the next user toapproach the waste collection device 110. It is most preferred that thesliding doors 141, 141 must be closed first before the automated door130 can then be opened, and that the automated door 130 must becompletely closed before the rotary shredding cutters 142, 142 can beoperated.

The collection vessel shredder mechanism 114 includes the pair of rotaryshredding cutters 142, 142 (e.g. cross-cut rotary shredding cutters)located immediately beneath the center trough 140 of the collectionvessel upper portion 112. The rotary shredding cutters 142, 142 areconnected to an electronic drive/motor 144. The waste is thrown into thecollection bin 137 by the user. The waste the moves downwardly viagravity and the rotating shredding cutters 142, 142, which also draw thewaste downwardly by and between the rotary shredding cutters 142, 142.

A fan 143 is provided within the collection vessel upper portion 112.The fan 143 is configured to draw in air from outside the wastecollection device 10, and circulate the air within a cavity 143 a of thecollection vessel upper portion. The pressurized air inside the cavity143 then vents out vent holes 143 b, for example, provided in the wallsof the collection bin 37. The pressurized air entering inside thecollection bin 37 vents air downwardly, when the automated door 120 isclosed, through the shredding cutters 142, 142 down into the collectionvessel housing 116. The collection vessel housing 116 is provided withvent holes 143 c to vent the pressurized air inside the collectionvessel housing outside of the waste collection device 110. The ventholes 143 c can be fitted with air filters 143 d (e.g. activatedcharcoal filters, dust filters, filters provided with neutralizer,sanitizer, deodorizer, scent or other chemicals) to clean or purify theair exiting the waste collection device 110. The pressurized aircirculated in this manner removes moisture and/or vapors located ortrapped inside the waste collection device 110, in particular removesmoisture or vapors from the shredding cutters 142, 142, electronics, UVLED, and other components that could be damaged by such moisture orvapors.

The collection vessel shredder mechanism 114 is provided with a pair ofreservoirs 146, 146 (e.g. disposable and removable containers) fittedwith combined electronic spraying/UV LED devices 148, 148 controlled byelectronic control unit 134, or other separate electronic controls. Forexample, the reservoirs 146, 146 are filled with liquid or powderdisinfectant or biocide that is sprayed onto the shredded waste exitingthe collection vessel shredder mechanism 114 and entering into the upperopening of the waste collection bag 124. The devices are also fittedwith UV LED (ultra violet light emitting devices), preferably arrangedin one or more rows or a matrix to ensure irradiation of all sides ofthe waste exiting the shredding cutters 142, 142. Alternatively, theelectronic spraying/UV LED devices 148, 148 can be separate electronicdevices.

The shredded waste filling the waste collection bag 124 may includewaste water or liquid from used containers (e.g. coffee from coffeecups, beverage from beverage cups, liquid from food). This waste wateror liquid moves downward by gravity inside the waste collection bag 124,and drains out of the perforations 125 (FIGS. 7, 10 and 11) in the lowerportion of the waste collection bag 124. This waste liquid or waterdrips down into the collection vessel lower portion 118, as shown inFIGS. 7 and 9.

As shown in FIG. 9, the collection vessel lower portion 118 includes atray portion 150 having four (4) triangular-shaped inclined wallportions 152 for directing the waste liquid or water to a center throughhole 154, which drains into a collection reservoir 156. An electronicsump pump 158 (FIG. 7) is provided in the collection reservoir 156 forpumping the collected waste water or liquid through a pipe or conduit160 to a remote location (e.g. collection vessel, bag, sewer and/orfloor drain). The collection vessel lower portion can be provided with adraw for collecting the waste liquid or water, and for removal thereof.When the waste collection bag 124 is filled, a sensor 164 (FIG. 7)indicates this condition by a visual display and/or alarm. Then, thecombined collection vessel upper portion 112 and collection vesselshredder mechanism 114 are lifted from the top of the collection vesselhousing 116. The collection vessel housing 116 is opened, and anon-perforated waste transport bag 162 (FIG. 10) is fitted around thewaste collection bag 124 (i.e. the waste collection bag 124 is nestedwith in waste transport bag 162).

Operation

The waste collection device 110, for example, is provided in the frontportion of a store or retail location. A user approaches the wastecollection device to dispose of water (e.g. used paper coffee orbeverage cups). The automated door 130 opens when the hand proximitysensors 135 sense the user's hand in close proximity to the opening 128of the collection vessel upper portion 112. The user then drops his orher cup into the collection bin 137 of the collection vessel upperportion 112. The automated door 130 closes when the user removes his orher hand in proximity to the automated door 130.

When the user retreats, for example, two (2) to three (3) feet from thewaste collection device 110 out of the range of the body proximitysensors 136, the electronic control unit 134 turns on the collectionvessel shredder mechanism 114 to begin shredding operation of the usedcup. The used cup is drawn downwardly by gravity and the rotaryshredding cutters 142, 142, and then the used cup is shredded intonumerous shredded pieces of waste. The shredded waste pieces are sprayedwith disinfectant or biocide by the electronic control unit 134operating the spraying devices 148. The electronic control unit 134 canbe programmed to control the operational sequence and dwell time of theautomated door 130, the collection vessel shredder mechanism 14, the UVLED, and/or the spraying devices 148.

The shredded waste pieces fall down into the waste collection bag 124.When the waste collection bag 124 is filled, the sensor 164 provides afilled bag signal to the electronic control unit 134, which sends asignal to a light or sound indicator. The waste liquid or water drainsfrom the waste collection bag 1124 into the collection vessel lowerportion 118. The waste liquid or water is pumped by the electronic sumppump 158 via the conduit 126 to a floor drain.

Smart Waste Recycling System

A Smart waste recycling system 210 for recycling paperboard based postconsumer food and beverage related service articles is shown in FIGS. 12thru 24. The waste recycling system 210 consists of three elements:

A) Collection; B) Transportation; and C) Remanufacturing. A. Collection

The collection phase of the waste recycling system 210 begins with the“front of the store” consumer. It includes the equipment and processingsteps that are necessary to achieve a raw material suitable forrecycling.

The waste recycling system comprises a Smart Collection Vessel 212 or(SCV), as shown in FIG. 1. The smart collection vessel 212 includes thefollowing features:

A) Visual recognition of the materials;B) Hands free operation;C) Automated bulk reduction;D) Sterilization and treatment to reduce bacteria;E) Liquid/solid separation;F) Computer based control and monitoring;G) Wired or wireless connectivity with host computer;H) Ability to operate without utility connection; andI) Data collection and logging.

Optionally, the system can include a vacuum system to further reducebulk and reduce the level of oxygen to prevent bacteria and otherorganisms to grow.

The Smart Collection Vessel 212, as shown in FIG. 12, provides aninterface between the consumer and the recycling process.

As the consumer approaches the Smart Collection Vessel 212 with theuser's service items, one or more onboard cameras 214 (e.g. three (3)cameras shown) scan the items in an effort to minimize the inclusion ofnon-recyclables into the Smart Collection Vessel 212. If the visualrecognition step is satisfied, the Smart Collection Vessel 212 opens aacceptance door 216 where the user deposits the used material(s). Theacceptance door 216 is then closed and secured using a mechanical lock218 (FIG. 13) and electrical interlocks.

The deposited material is then processed to reduce its bulk density andto eliminate entrapment pockets, as shown in FIG. 14. This isaccomplished using one or more mechanical methods involving cutting,slitting, perforating and/or crushing, as described below:

-   A) the bulk reduction mechanism uses two counter rotating shafts    218;-   B) each counter rotating shaft 218 is equipped with number of knives    220 (or the counter rotating shafts 218 are driven by a motor 222 or    motors (e.g. AC or DC), which is/are coupled to one or both of the    counter rotating shafts 218; and-   C) the motor can be driven using an on board replaceable    rechargeable battery or alternatively the unit can be connected to a    conventional power receptacle (100-240 v, AC/DC, 0-70 Hz).

The bulk density reduction can be designed to sustain the recyclabilityof the product by minimizing damage to the underlying fibers. Uponexiting from the bulk reduction step, the product passes through one orseveral sterilization/disinfection stages, as shown in FIG. 15.

The sterilization/disinfection is accomplished using UV radiationemanating from a florescent or solid state light generation source 224(e.g. LED). Additional disinfection/sterilization can be providedthrough the spray addition of chemicals or elemental suspensions fromjets 226. After sterilization/disinfection, the ‘product drops into aperforated collection bag 228, as shown in FIG. 16. The bag 228 isequipped with an electronic tag 230 containing a unique identifier.

When the bag 228 is installed, the tag 230 is wirelessly queried by theSmart Collection Vessel 212 onboard computer and is logged into thesystem.

The bag holder 232 is equipped with load cells 234, as shown in FIG. 17,that monitor the weight of the collected materials. The load cells 234transmit information to and associated with the bag's electronic tag.

When the bag 228 is removed from the Smart Collection Vessel 212, it islogged out of the waste recycling system 210, and its attributes arewirelessly transmitted to the host computer for custody and trackingpurposes. Any liquids deposited as part of the recovered material, drainfrom the perforated collection bag 228 into a sump 236, as shown in FIG.18. The sump 236 is fitted with a traditional gravity drain 238, atransfer pump 240, or alternatively, the liquid can be absorbed into acontainment pad for disposal as solid waste.

When the collection bag has been filled to capacity, the SmartCollection Vessel 212 illuminates a visual indicator 242 (FIG. 1) forthe bag to be changed. The filled bag is removed from the collectionvessel and overwrapped with another bag 244, as shown in FIG. 19. Theoverwrap bag 244 can be sealed using a heat sealing device.Alternatively, the bag can be sealed using adhesive or mechanical means.

A one (1) way valve 246 is connected to a vacuum device 248, and the airis evacuated from the bag 244, as shown in FIG. 20. Alternatively, thebag 244 can be simultaneously evacuated and sealed. During the vacuumsealing process, the bag 244 can optionally be purged with an inert gasto displace any residual oxygen. The inert gas can be generated fromwater soluble capsules in the over bag 244, or alternatively from a tankof compressed gas.

The evacuated sealed bag 244, as shown in FIG. 21, is deposited in thestore's staging area for collection.

B. Transportation

The relatively small volume of post consumer service items suggests thatdedicated recovery may not be efficient in most cases. To overcome thisissue the waste recycling system 210 can be designed or configured toallow co-transport with other recyclables, or with refuse that is sortedfor recoverables before being land filled.

The Smart Collection Vessel 212 accumulates information regarding allrecyclable collected on site using wireless technology. Informationrelated to type and volume of recyclable is wirelessly transmitted to ahost computer. The host computer relays information regarding type andvolume of recyclables to transportation and/or recycling firms. Thetransportation/recycling firms use the information to arrange forefficient pick up scheduling.

When the vacuum sealed packets of recyclables arrive at the recyclingsubstation or recovery center, they are separated from other recyclablesor co-mingled waste or trash. Separation can be effected using visualrecognition and manual selection, or the facility can use automatedseparation employing the embedded electronic tag as a locator beacon.

The packets are aggregated until there enough quantity to compress intoa bale (e.g. 1000 to 2500 lbs), or the packets can be directly loadinginto containers for transport to the processing facility.

C. Reprocessing

A recycling effort can only be successful if the value of the product(s)exceeds the cost of collection and processing. In this case twoco-products, bleached pulp and fuel pellets will be generated.

Upon arrival at the processing facility the bales/containers are openedand the individual packets are placed onto a conveyor in a single layer250, as shown in FIG. 22. The conveyor 252 passes under a high pressurewater jet station 254 where the collection bag 228 and the overwrap bag244 are cut open. Alternatively, the material can be liberated from theplastic bags using a mechanical bag removal device.

At this stage, the material. (including the bags 228, 244) is introducedinto a screening/classification device 256, as shown in FIG. 23, wherematerials are automatically sorted based on size and density. Smalldebris 258 falls through holes in the conveyor 260. Using air from ablower 262, heavy material is segregated from the lighter material. Theaccepts 264 and rejects 266 are segregated and stored for subsequentprocessing in respective containers 268, 270.

The accepts 264 are directed to a pulper 272, as shown in FIG. 24, tobegin the process of fiber recovery. The pulper 272 can be bottomrotor/extraction plate arrangement 274, or a drum type. Warm water (110°F.-160° F.) containing surfactants and detergents is introduced into thepulper 272, and a gentle agitation is commenced (washing). After 5-15minutes, the extraction valve 276 is opened, and the water along withany materials that were dissolved during the washing phase is drainedaway. The extraction valve 276 is then closed, and hot water (140°F.-200° F.) along with an aqueous solution of caustic (NaOH) in aconcentration of 0.05 to 0.5% by weight is added to the pulper 272.Hydrogen Peroxide and surfactants can be added to the pulper, as needed,to maintain brightness and aid in fiber separation.

The mixture is aggressively mixed for 15 to 45 minutes until the fiberhave been liberated into a state of colloidal suspension. The extractionvalve 276 is opened, and fiber water mix is drained from the pulper 272leaving behind residual plastics, films and other non-pulpablematerials.

The extracted slurry is screened, cleaned, bleached and furtherprocessed using conventional technology. The resultant product can beused directly on a paper machine, or it can be formed into sheets on alap machine and dried, or sold as wet lap pulp for inclusion into whitepaper products like tissue or communication grade papers. The residualsthat remain after the pulping process are combined with the combustiblesrejects from the screening/classifying stage, and are processed intofuel pellets using standard technology.

Smart Container

A Smart Container 310 is illustrated. in FIGS. 25 and 26. The SmartContainer 310 comprises an outer container 312 (e.g. first container)and an inner container 314 (e.g. second container). For example, theouter container 312 can be a plastic injection molded container and theinner container can be a disposable plastic bag 314 fitted with a tag316 (e.g. RFID tag, barcode tag, printed barcode, or combinationthereof).

The Smart Container 310 comprises an electronic device 318 for detectingthe tag 316 and/or communicating or signaling with the tag 316. Theelectronic device can be one or more electronic devices incorporated(e.g. molded) into the outer container 312, incorporated into the innercontainer 314, or can be a separate item (e.g. smart cell phone or likecell phone) connected to, attached or otherwise associated with theouter container 312. For example, the electronic device 318 is molded(e.g. insert molded), fastened and/or attached (e.g. adhered) into oronto the outer container 312 and/or inner container 314.

The electronic device 318, for example, can detect or sense a tag 316.For example, the outer container 312 can be provided with a tag 316 toprovide the identity of the outer container and/or the inner container314 can be provided with a tag 316 to provide the identity of the innercontainer 314 to a reader or scanner provided in one or more electronicdevices 318.

For example, as shown in FIG. 25, the electronic device 318 isassociated with the outer container 312 configured to read or scan a tag316 provided with the inner container 314 (e.g. plastic bag providedwith RFID tag). When a new inner container 314 is being fitted into theouter container 312, the electronic device 318 reads or senses the tag316 provided with the inner container 314, and initializes an electroniclink or system between the tag 316 and the electronic device 318. Forexample, the electronic device 318 once initialized reads or scansinformation on the tag to identify the inner container 314 (e.g.electronic I.D.), communicates the identity of the tag 316 andassociated inner container 314, the identity of the outer container 312,date and time of initialization, store location, client information(e.g. client I.D., contact information, billing information), wastetype, date and time when the inner container 314 is partially filled orfully filled, weight when filled, date and time of removal of innercontainer 314 from outer container 312, logging information, and otherinformation that can be communicated (e.g. by wire and/or a wirelesslyvia a communication link comprising one or more of a telephone, localarea network (LAN), Blue Tooth, cell, computer network, satellite,Internet, GPS, Cloud) to a remote device (e.g. personal computer,server, personal electronic device, cell phone, smart cell phone,iPhone, pad, iPad). Alternatively, the outer container 312 is not fittedwith an electronic device; however, an electronic device (e.g. RFIDreader or scanner) is installed in the store or store front location(e.g. in or on wall, door frame, wall, ceiling, furniture, floor) toread, scan, communicate and/or signal with the RFID tag 316.

As a further alternative, the electronic device 318 can be the same asor similar to a cell phone for communication or operating on a cellularnetwork. The electronic device 318 can comprise a screen 320 (e.g. touchscreen) to view and obtain data similar to a smart phone (e.g. iPhone)and can be provided with a USB port 322 to communicate or signal with anexternal electronic device (e.g. data input, data collection,programming).

In addition, the electronic device 318 can be provided with electronicfor cooperating with the Global Positioning System (GPS) for providinglocation data for the Smart Container 310 to a remote electronic device.

A waste recycling communication network 410 is illustrated in FIG. 26.The Smart Container 310 is located to collect waste or trash (e.g. frontof store).

A tag 316 (e.g. RFID tag) associated or applied to the inner container314 (e.g. plastic bag) is read or scanned by an RFID READER 412 (e.g.located in the front of store). The tag 316 communicates information tothe SERVER 414 and/or the LAN 416 (Local Area Network). It is noted thata direct communication link between the tag 316 and the RFID READER 412can eliminate the need for the electronic device 318; however, theelectronic device 318 can provide many additional features and types ofcommunication connections or links.

Alternatively, the electronic device 318 of the Smart Container 310 canbe configured to connect or link with the SERVER 414, LAN 416, CELLULARNETWORK 418, CLOUD 420, and/or REMOTE COMPUTER OR DEVICE 422.

The communication connections or links between the RFID READER 412,SERVER 414, LAN 416, CELLULAR NETWORK 418, CLOUD 420, and/or REMOTECOMPUTER OR DEVICE 422 are shown as wireless; however, these electronicdevices in addition, or alternatively, can be wired together. Further,other types of communication links such as microwave, satellite, Bluetooth, and other type now associated with cellular smart phone can beadded, substituted, augmented, or used serially and/or in parallel.

Waste Recycling System, Process, and Method

The waste recycling process and method includes the step of taggingwaste, preferably targeted waste. The tagging of the waste itself and/ora plastic bag, liner, or other waste container allows the waste to beidentified at anytime. Further, a continuous chain of custody can beestablished and maintained from a point of collection to a point ofrecycling to ensure food quality new products having recycled content.In addition, the ownership, control and responsibility of the targetedwaste can be continuously monitored, documented, and verified from thepoint of collection to the point of recycling.

The waste recycling process and method according to the presentinvention can preferably include a combination of one or more of thefollowing steps: 1) sorting targeted waste by consumers selectivelydisposing targeted waste in marked waste receptacles, waste collectiondevice, or waste collection device according to the present invention;2) de-bulking targeted waste to reduce its volume and release any water,liquid, or food from the targeted waste, preferably within the wastecollection device according to the present invention; 3) disinfectingthe targeted waste to kill and prevent the growth of bacteria, virus,bugs, mold, and fungi, preferably with disinfecting chemicals and/orultraviolet light and/or irradiating, preferably within the wastecollection device according to the present invention; 4) collectingtreated targeted waste into plastic bags, liners, or other wastecontainers, preferably within the waste collection device according tothe present invention; 5) tagging the targeted waste, preferablyelectronically tagging the plastic bags, liners, or other containers,preferably used in the waste collection device according to the presentinvention.

The step of tagging the targeted waste is very important for identifyingthe targeted waste, preventing the contamination of the targeted waste,maintaining and ensuring the custody of the targeted waste, andmonitoring the ownership, control, and responsibility of the targetedwaste from the point of collection to the point of recycling.

Preferably, the targeted waste is tagged immediately upon disposal ofthe targeted waste, and uninterrupted through the point of recycling ofthe targeted waste. For example, the targeted waste is collected inplastic bags, liners, or other waste containers (e.g. paper bags, paperboxes, plastic boxes, composite bags, composite boxes, paper containers,plastic containers, shippers) provided with an electronic tag. Theplastic bags, liners, or other containers can be disposed of within awaste collection receptacle, preferably a waste collection receptaclehaving an electronic tag detector for detecting the electronic tagassociated with the waste itself or plastic bag, liner, or other wastecontainer. In this manner, the identification of the targeted waste isimmediate upon disposal of the targeted waste at the point ofcollection, for example, by a consumer or employee placing the targetedwaste into the waste collection receptacle, preferably the wastecollection device according to the present invention.

The waste collection receptacle can include a scale or weighingapparatus (e.g. using strain gages) for determining the weight of thetargeted waste contained within a particular plastic bag, liner, orother waste container upon being filled readied for removal from thewaste collection device. The electronic tag identifying the particularplastic bag, liner, or other waste container is merged with the weightinformation to further identify the particular plastic bag, liner, orother waste container for tracking, sorting, bundling, palletizing,accounting, custody, and verification purposes from the point ofcollection through the point of recycling. The waste collectionreceptacle can include other detectors for monitoring the status,condition and/or operation thereof. For example, a temperature sensor isused for monitoring the inside temperature or temperature of specificcomponents or parts. Fluid level detectors are used for detecting thelevel of disinfectant in storage tanks, and the level of water or liquidin the collection bin. Tamper and/or safety warning detectors can beprovided to allow remote monitoring and control operation of the wastecollection device. One or more video cameras can be provided on oradjacent to the waste collection device to visually monitor the wastecollection device.

The waste collection device can be a waste collection receptacle (e.g.Smart Container) configured and/or capable of collecting andcommunicating information and data about the status and/or operation ofthe waste collection receptacle, and the waste itself, plastic bag,liner, or other waste container disposed within the waste collectiondevice. This information and data can be communicated by the wastecollection device to an in store location and/or remote location (e.g.store computer system, remote central computer system or center). Thedata is transmitted, collected, stored, monitored, or further processedto provide a system of monitoring, collecting data, and remotelyoperating the waste collection device. In a preferred embodiment, aplurality of waste collection receptacles in a store are networkedwithin the store, and connected to the centralized remote command andcontrol facility to monitor and control the operation of each wastecollection receptacle in every store of a chain of stores, or even aplurality of chains of stores. In this manner, the waste collectionreceptacles can be remotely monitored and checked in real time tomaintain continuous uninterrupted operation, and collect real timeinformation about the identify, weight, type of targeted waste,temperature, humidity, integrity of the plastic bags, liners, or othercontainers disposed within the waste collection receptacles andoperational status and/or conditions of the waste collection device(e.g. power on or off, fill level in collection bag via weight and/orvolume dimensions, inside temperature, levels of disinfectant insprayers, water or liquid level in collection bin, water or liquid leakor stoppage, shredder jammed or good, and safety and tamper issues).

The waste collection device can communicate to store or remote computersystems or centers via wire, cable, fiber optic, telephone, GPS, cellphone transmission, internet, microwave, and/or other available wire orwireless transmission within the store and/or to one or more remotelocations (e.g. preferably local and centralized computer center). Thewaste collection device data network can be combined with otherdetectors or monitoring equipment within the stores, dumpsters, trucks,waste processing locations, and waste recycling locations to track thetargeted waste from the point of collection through the point ofrecycling. For example, the waste collection data network can be used tosupply information to a local waste hauler to indicate the number offilled bags and their identities and weight at each store location forscheduling pickup for operational effectiveness and efficiency. Thewaste collection computer network can be designed to identify, monitor,and route each and every plastic bag, liner, or other waste containerfrom the waste collection device, movement through the store, collectioninside or outside the store, transporting from the store, sorting andmovement within a waste processing location or waste collection center,transporting to a recycling location, and movement within the recyclinglocation to the point of recycling (e.g. blender or shredder filllocation in the plant). Further, the ownership, control, andresponsibility of the targeted waste and accounting information for eachstep of the waste collection process begins with the waste collectiondevices in the stores, then the waste haulers, and eventually the wasterecyclers so that there can exist real time accounting applications andpurposes at each level.

The waste collection devices can also be configured or designed toprovide an incentive for the consumer or employees placing the usedtargeted waste into the waste collection device. For example, the wastecollection receptacle can vend a reward or gift (e.g. gift card,product, coupon, points card or receipt, or even money) upon placing thetargeted waste into the waste collection device. The waste collectiondevice can be programmed to dispense a reward every time a piece oftargeted waste is placed into the waste collection receptacle, orprogrammed to dispense, for example, a larger reward or gift randomly toprovide an incentive to use the waste collection receptacle. Forexample, the waste collection receptacle can be configured to operatesimilar to a slot machine (e.g. one arm bandit), however, targeted wasteis inserted into the waste collection receptacle to play or operate thewaste collection receptacle instead of coins.

Separating Step

A critical step in developing a recycling system is empowering theconsumer to separate materials at the time of disposal. Studies haveshown that consumers are interested in recycling, but only whenpresented with the proper stimuli and ease of use. Consumers may stillhave a problem separating waste because they are either in a hurry, donot know what to do with their waste, or have formed a habit ofdisposing of their garbage or trash in a central place in one container.It is important that this habit be taken into consideration for thesystem to work. Container style/design, container locations, consumersafety, signage etc. is critical to achieving consumer involvement.

The waste collection device design should include methods for separatingand processing separately all consumer waste generated at the store. Thecontainer size, shape and style should be standardized for immediaterecognition as a recycling system rather than a garbage or trashcontainer. Marketing/information panels can be provided on the outsideof the waste collection receptacles, and these panels should beinterchangeable. The waste disposal system should be trademarked to helpconsumer identify and understand the recycling methods.

The waste collection devices should have openings shaped like thematerial/items being collected (e.g. paper cups, plates, plasticbottles). It is preferably that the waste collection device be designedto collect one or more types of targeted waste (e.g. one, two, three, orfour compartments for different types of targeted waste).

The safety locks are preferably installed on the waste collectiondevices so that when system is operating customer's hands, fingers andother foreign objects will shut down the operation until items theseitems are removed. The targeted waste material can go into a bin/storagearea so that it can be processed when full, or processed as it isreceived through an opening. Other safety switches can also triggerother processes such as sanitization and/or bulk reduction subsystems.

Bulk Reduction Step

Fast food service items are inherently bulky when collected in animpromptu environment. Efficient collection, storage, sanitizing, liquidremoval, transportation and down stream processing of waste materialcollected requires waste material densification. The waste recyclingmethods according to the present invention, includes one or more of thesteps of cutting, shredding, tearing, pressing, rolling, compressingand/or perforating the waste. These steps or techniques can occur withinthe waste collection device according to the present invention toefficiently separate solids from liquids, eliminate the potential fortrapping contaminants, allowing the material and liquids to be treatedwith UV and/or other sanitizing liquids or solids, and enhancing thedownstream processing of the materials and liquids.

The waste recycling methods according to the present inventionpreferably include one or more steps of bulk reduction. The bulkreduction of the waste include one or more of the steps of separating,rotating or otherwise changing the direction of the material so that allsides of the material can be sanitized, reducing contaminants, and/orseparating liquids effectively from the waste. Again, these steps ortechniques can occur in a sub-unit of the waste collection deviceaccording to the present invention. The sub-unit can include UVirradiation devices, sanitizing spray mechanisms and/or disinfectantpowder dropping mechanisms, preferably located within the sub-unit.

Sanitizing Step

All food service items are contaminated with residual beverage or fooditems. Failing to address this contamination leads to fungal andbacterial growth, and fosters purification of the material/liquid. It isanticipated the waste material could be stored from one (1) to sixteen(16) weeks in varying weather conditions. Reducing the number ofmicroorganisms up front will reduce waste downstream from the flora andfauna growth. Sanitization of the liquid being separated from thematerial will also allow the liquid that is collected to be disposed ina safe manner. The sanitization process must be environmentally benignand inherently safe for both the customer and the staff and not impactdownstream processing.

The waste recycling method according to the present invention caninclude the step of irradiating the waste with UV radiation to sanitizeboth the solids and liquids. The step of irradiating the waste with UVradiation can occur in the waste collection device (e.g. wasteprocessing unit) according to the present invention. For example, thisstep is provided in the upper sub-unit of the waste collection device.

The UV lamps designed for biocide reduction produce UV light in therange of 200-400 nm in wavelength. The most effective wavelength rangefor sanitization is 240275 nm. The UV sterilization mechanism will usespecialized LED lights rather than mercury vapor lamps and other UVlamps because of the environmental impact of mercury, the cost ofoperating (energy usage), the heat generated by other lamps, and theimmediate reaction of LED UV lamps.

The UV lamps can be placed before, in conjunction with, and or afterother processing sub-systems of the waste collection device according tothe present invention. The UV lamps can be made a part of othersub-system so that all surfaces of both the material and liquid can betreated.

In the event the UV irradiation is not sufficiently effective, then LEDUV treatment will be combined with a liquid or colloidal anti-bacterialagent to reduce the bacteria/microorganism count. However, the liquidand/or colloidal anti-bacteria agents can be used by themselves. Safetysystems will be set-up with other processes for consumer and storeworker safety.

Liquid Separation and Disposal Step

A significant issue when dealing with liquid containing fast foodservice items is dealing with residual liquids and/or ice. An effectivecollection system must recognize that water and other contaminants willbe resident in any collected material. A significant amount of liquidremaining with the material will enhance flora and fauna growth, will bemore costly to transport, and will have to be disposed at the bailingsite and potentially cause problems in downstream processing of thematerial. The challenge in liquid separation is two fold, firstseparation and second dealing with the separated liquid in a mannerconsistent with food sanitation standards.

The liquid separation and disposal step can occur in the wastecollection device according to the present invention. The liquidseparation system includes a receptacle that can be a perforated lineror container with holes, slits, vanes, ridges, weaves for liquidtransfer from solids that are being collected. The liquids will beself-draining around the waste materials before, during, and/or afterthe waste material has been de-bulked. The design of the wastecollection device will promote ease of use and sanitization of materialsand liquids, and could include UV LED (ultra violet light emittingdiode) devices and/or spray and powder dispensing mechanisms.

The waste material in the waste collection device may be agitated, spun,twisted, tossed, perforated and/or compacted to separate the liquid fromthe waste material. The waste material can be turned to sanitize thewaste material with the application of spray anti-bacteria and/or UV.The waste collection device can be made from plastic, steel, poly,stainless steel, plastic, or other similar material which thickness canrange from that of a plastic bag to the thickness of a permanent steelgrate, and will be located in such a place in the container to collectthe separated waste material that enters the process.

The liquid storage and transfer vessel (another subsystem) is designedto contain the water or liquid in a manner consistent with stringenthealth department regulations that govern food service establishments.The container will either store the liquid until the container can beremoved and disposed of manually, be used as a receiving container witha direct drain to the floor, be used with a mechanism to pump the liquidfrom the vessel to a drainage or disposal area, and/or be a storage areafor a liquid absorbing device that will absorb the liquid. For example,the absorbing device can absorb 10-100 times its own weight, beremovable from the container without the person removing it beingcontaminated, and disposed of with other garbage or trash when thematerial is removed from the disposal receptacle sub-system. The liquidabsorbing device will contain a hydroscopic material such as poly sodiumacrylate. The device can be designed to a size and shape to collect theexpected maximum flow of liquid. The storage system may be used tocollect liquid from all individual receptacles from the waste collectiondevice.

Packaging for Shipment Step

Fast food restaurants are not equipped to deal with “trash”. Once thematerial has been effectively collected and processed it must beconveniently packaged for external storage and shipment. The packagemust be sanitary, convenient to use, and stout enough to withstand therigors of handling by restaurant staff and waste recyclers/haulers. Aseparate package (e.g. plastic bag, liner, or other waste container)will be used to collect the primary bag having holes in it to allowself-draining of the liquid from the waste material. The package may bedesigned to preclude the growth of fungi and bacteria through the use ofimpregnated growth inhibitors, and/or self generated inert gas flooding.

The package for shipment can be a bag, box, or other device made fromplastic, paper fibers, cloth etc. The packaging material can be slippedover or around the outside of the plastic bag, liner, or other wastecontainer containing the waste material that will be recycled. Thepackage can be open ended or sealed on one end. If open ended, then asealing mechanism can be employed to either end or sides of the packageto contain the material. Drawstrings, tape or other sealing mechanismscan be used to seal the package. The package can be stored within orattached to the waste collection device so that the person emptying thematerial can just pull the packaging material up, down and/or around theplastic bag, liner, or other waste container. The package can beimpregnated with materials that would reduce the microbial content on oraround the collected waste material.

Identification, Tracking and Custody (Ownership) Step

Food service items are a desirable recycling feedstock, but the key tosuccess is recycling them as segregated materials. Keeping track of thematerial is important for material custody and ownership, FDA trackingpurposes, inventory control, transporting the materials, separatingmaterials, locating the waste material, security, custodial transfer,and quality control. The ownership of the material will be achieved bycontract between the store and group collecting the material, the ownersof the in-store system, and/or other designated party who will bereceiving the material for collecting, separating, and baling the wastematerial for further transfer and/or processing.

A RFID indicator or other identification method such as bar codes, bagcolors, and/or markings is applied to the plastic bags, liner, or otherwaste containers so that a visual, sound, and/or identification wave canbe picked up by a detecting device or person so the waste material canbe identified, separated, and tracked. A preferred system uses radiofrequency technology (RFID), or other electronic tagging methods orsystems to enable tracking of the waste material through all stages ofcollection, separation, transportation and aggregation of the wastematerial. The RFID can be embedded in the packaging material, placed inthe package at the store by a person, or automatically dropped into thepackage when a triggering event such as time, opening the door orpushing a button occurs. The information generated from this sub-systemwill be transferred to a central computer and can be collected by thestore as store management information. This information can provideexpected inventory, control over loss and proliferation of material toother parties, methods for payment of fees to stores and waste haulers,and prevent the material from becoming a commodity. The system can alsobe used for tracking other recyclable materials collected by the system,and then sold. The sending the RFID signal can be used to transfer ofownership of the waste material from the store to the waste recyclingsystem.

Transport, Separating, Aggregation, Bailing and Tracking Bale Step(s)

The packaged waste material will be picked up at the store by variousgarbage/recyclable materials transporters (including OCB transporters)and/or dedicated transporter, group/contractor, and transported to acentral location for separation from other materials, aggregating withlike materials and bailing for further transport to the waste recyclingplant. The separated packages of recyclable materials are recorded basedon the unique electronic signatures or identifiers of theiridentification devices. This information is transferred to the computerthereby recording receipt of the waste material by the centralprocessing/aggregation facility. This information will create anexpected inventory, record the date of the material for determiningaging and potential contamination by flora and fungi growth etc.developing a system to track and pay for the processing of the materialand to make sure that that the material that is picked up at the storeis not proliferated to other customers of the waste hauler. Thededicated transporter and group/contractor system would only be used inhighly populated areas where compliance to the system is not working.

After the material is aggregated into one location, it will be baled andtagged for further transporting to a manufacturing/processing facility.The bale is sized for efficient transport by rail car, truck, boat,barges or other efficient transport, and tagged with bar codes, RFIDindicators, or other identification devices, which will includeinformation such as weight, number of bags, date and other informationincluding the identification of the party sending the bale. Theinformation on the tagged bale will determine the amount of payment tothe aggregating company/group. Until transporting, the bales will bestored in a central area for a specific period of time. If the bales arestored longer than specified, then bales can be rejected due tosanitization issues.

The bags of waste material are recorded, separated, aggregated, baledand stored at the waste hauler/bailer utilizing the information that isgenerated from the RFID devices and/or other specific markings. Theinformation transferred to the computer includes expected inventory,date of the waste material (i.e. aging) for determining levels ofsanitization, and information for controlling waste material (i.e. toprevent proliferation of the waste material to other customers of thewaste hauler).

A new RFID or other device or information forwarding mechanism will begenerated and attached to each bale. This information will includeidentification of the party who has processed the bale; weight of bale;date baled, and other information as requested. This information will beused to track, transport, receive, and pay for the processing andtransporting of the bale to a manufacturing/processing location.

Dis-Aggregation and Separation

Upon receipt at the manufacturing/processing facility, the bales ofrecyclable waste material are off loaded and identified based oninformation placed on the bale by the central collection and balinglocation. The collected bales are sampled for bacteria and otherunwanted waste material. Next the bales are loaded into a singulationconveyor. Once the packages have been singulated they pass through a twosided (top and bottom) multiple water jet station, which cuts theexternal packaging material. The slit packages next move to a vibratoryclassifying screen, which separates the packaging material from therecyclable waste material. The packaging material is collected andrecycled, or used as an energy source (e.g. formanufacturing/processing).

Preliminary Washing Step

The next step in processing the waste material is a washing step, whichis performed using anti-bacterial/anti-fungal detergent and water. Inthis step agitation, water, and detergent are used to separate therecyclable waste from any residual food or drink contamination.

Pulping Step

The washed waste material is subjected to a pulping step using heat,steam, and chemicals to convert the washed waste material to pulp readyfor use to make new paper products.

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. An electronic waste tracking method for trackingwaste from a first location to a second location, the method comprising:collecting waste into one or more electronically tagged wastecontainers; transporting the one or more electronically tagged wastecontainers from the first location to the second location using avehicle equipped with one or more electronic detectors; detecting inreal time the one or more electronically tagged waste containers duringtransportation using the one or more electronic detectors; andelectronically tracking the one or more electronically tagged wastecontainers in real time using a computer tracking system communicatingwith the one or more electronic detectors during transportation of theone or more electronically tagged waste containers.
 22. A waste trackingmethod, comprising: placing one or more waste containers at a firstlocation for collecting waste at the first location; electronicallytagging the one or more waste containers with an electronic tag;collecting waste into the one or more electronically tagged wastecontainers; equipping a waste transportation vehicle with one or moredetectors for detecting the one or more electronically tagged wastecontainers during transportation of the one or more electronicallytagged waste containers; electronically detecting the electronicallytagged waste containers continuously in real time using the one or moredetectors during transportation from the first location to secondlocation; electronically tracking the one or more tagged wastecontainers continuously in real time using a computer tracking systemcommunicating with the one or more detectors during transportation ofthe one or more electronically tagged waste containers from the firstlocation to the second location.
 23. An electronic waste tracking methodfor tracking waste from a first location to a second location, themethod comprising: collecting waste into one or more electronicallytagged waste containers; detecting the one or more electronically taggedwaste containers at the first location; transporting the one or moreelectronically tagged waste containers from the first location to thesecond location using a vehicle fitted with one or more electronicdetectors; detecting in real time the one or more electronically taggedwaste containers during transportation from the first location to thesecond locating using the one or more electronic detectors;electronically tracking the one or more electronically tagged wastecontainers in real time using a computer tracking system communicatingwith the one or more electronic detectors during transportation of theone or more electronically tagged waste containers from the firstlocation to the second location; and detecting the one or moreelectronically tagged waste containers at the second location.
 24. Themethod according to claim 21, wherein the waste containers aredisposable waste containers.
 25. The method according to claim 21,wherein the one or more electronically tagged containers is configuredto be wirelessly detected.
 26. The method according to claim 21,including one or more electronic detectors located at the first locationfor detecting the one or more electronically tagged waste containerslocated at the first location.
 27. The method according to claim 21,including one or more electronic detectors located at the secondlocation for detecting the one or more electronically tagged wastecontainers located at the second location.
 28. The method according toclaim 26, including one or more electronic detectors located at thesecond location for detecting the one or more electronically taggedwaste containers located at the second location.
 29. The methodaccording to claim 21, including one or more waste collecting deviceslocated at the first location, the one or more waste collecting devicesconfigured to accommodate the one or more electronically tagged wastecontainers.
 30. The method according to claim 29, wherein the one ormore waste collection devices comprises one or more electronic detectorsfor detecting the one or more electronically tagged waste containers.31. The method according to claim 21, wherein the one or moreelectronically tagged waste containers is electronically tracked fromthe first location to the second location.
 32. The method according toclaim 31, wherein a location of the one or more electronically taggedwaste containers is electronically tracked from the first location tothe second location.
 33. The method according to claim 31, wherein theone or more electronically tagged waste containers is continuouslyelectronically tracked from the first location to the second location.34. The method according to claim 21, wherein the one or moreelectronically tagged waste containers comprises one or more RFID tags.35. The method according to claim 21, further comprising electronicallytracking the one or more electronically tagged waste containers usingthe one or more additional detectors located at the first locationand/or the second location communicating to the computer trackingsystem.
 36. The method according to claim 21, further comprisingscheduling the pickup of the one or more electronically tagged wastecontainers at the first location.
 37. The method according to claim 21,further comprising logging information regarding waste collected intothe waste container.
 38. The method according to claim 21, wherein theone or more electronically tagged waste containers is monitored in realtime during transportation from the first location to the secondlocation.
 39. The method according to claim 21, wherein the one or moreelectronically tagged waste containers is electronically tagged prior tolocating the one or more electronically tagged waste container at thefirst location.
 40. The method according to claim 21, wherein the one ormore electronically tagged waste containers is electronically taggedwhen manufacturing the one or more electronically tagged wastecontainers.